CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the twilight of his career, but the soccer star still tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes thanks to his huge wages in Saudi Arabia.
According to Forbes’ list, which was released on Thursday, Ronaldo earned $260 million over the last 12 months, $200 million from his club contract with Al-Nassr and $60 million in off-field earnings.
Rahm’s total earnings are $218 million, Forbes calculated – $198 million through playing wages alone – while Messi’s are $135 million, more than half of which ($70 million) are off-the-field payments.
Ronaldo, one of four Saudi-based soccer players on the list of the 50 highest-paid athletes, made his debut for Al-Nassr in January 2023.
Forbes’ 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024:
Persons:
CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Forbes, Ronaldo, Jon Rahm, LIV, Lionel Messi, Nassr, Neville Hopwood, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Karim Benzema –, Mbappé, Lamar Jackson, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Naomi Osaka
Organizations:
CNN, Forbes, Al, Inter Miami, Saudi Pro League, Neymar, –, Baltimore Ravens, NFL, Forbes ’
Locations:
Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Hilal