Forbes: Cristiano Ronaldo, now World’s highest paid Athlete

Following his move to Saudi Arabia early this year, Cristiano Ronaldo is now the world’s highest paid athlete.

This was confirmed by Forbes on Wednesday after the website reported that the 38-year old earned $136m ( £108.7m) over the past 12 months.

His contract at Al Nassr is worth more than €200m ( £176.5) per year, making him the highest paid Athlete in the world.

Lionel Messi, who is also rumored to be planning to move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season is second on the Forbes’ list having earned $130m (103.9m)

Third on the list is Messi’s teammate at PSG Kylian Mbappe who earned $120m (£95.9m) in the last 365 days.

NBA’s LeBron James ($119.5m) and Carnelo Alvarez ( $110m) complete the top 5.

The new name in the top 10 is Dustin Johnson of golf who received $18m (£16.2m at the time) after winning the inaugural Saudi- funded LIV Golf championship. In total, he earned $107m (£85.5m) over the past year.

According to Forbes, the world’s ten highest-paid athletes collectively made $1.11 billion before taxes and agents’ fees over the last 12 months, the highest total ever in history.

These figures include Salaries, prize money, Sponsorship deals, appearance fees and memorabilia and licensing income.

World’s top 10 highest paid athletes 2023

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $136m (£108.7m)
2. Lionel Messi, football: $130m (£103.9m)
3. Kylian Mbappe, football: $120m (£95.9m)
4. LeBron James, basketball: $119.5m (£95.5m)
5. Canelo Alvarez, boxing: $110m (£87.9m)
6. Dustin Johnson, golf: $107m (£85.5m)
7. Phil Mickelson, golf: $106m (£84.7m)
8. Stephen Curry, basketball: $100.4m (£80.2m)
9. Roger Federer, tennis: $95.1m (£76m)
10. Kevin Durant, basketball: $89.1m (£71.2m)