Ronaldo tops highest-paid athletes list
In a much talked about turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi to claim the tag of the highest-paid athlete in the world for the year 2024.
Ronaldo, renowned for his football prowess, clinched the top spot following his move to Al-Nassr earlier in January this year, signing an unprecedented £175 million-per-year deal in the Middle East.
Since joining Al-Nassr FC, Ronaldo has displayed remarkable performance, bagging numerous accolades, including the Saudi Pro League Player of the Month award for February 2023.
With an impressive tally of 36 goals in 37 appearances for the Riyadh-based team, Ronaldo has solidified his position as one of the most lucrative athletes globally, earning over £48 million in more than 56 games.
Meanwhile, his long-standing rival Lionel Messi, who recently embarked on a new journey with Inter Miami CF in the MLS, has dropped to the second spot on the list of highest-paid athletes.
Messi’s ventures in the MLS, coupled with his endorsement deals with prominent brands like Adidas, Budweiser, and Pepsi, continue to contribute to his immense wealth.
Despite experiencing a decline in performance, Messi remains a prized asset, boasting 11 goals and 5 assists for Inter Miami in the previous season.
Talented French footballer, Kylian Mbappe is third position on the list. With a salary reportedly constituting nearly 20% of his club’s payroll, Mbappe’s contributions both on and off the field have propelled him to the upper echelons of global sports earnings.
Although basketball icon LeBron James, known for his prowess on the court, has slipped from the top three spots, he remains a formidable force, ranking fourth on the list.
James continues to command a staggering salary from his contract with the LA Lakers, further solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid non-football athletes globally.
The top ten list of highest-paid athletes in the world for 2024 also includes notable names such as Kevin Durant, Roger Federer, and Phil Mickelson, representing various sports.
Despite his retirement from professional tennis, Federer continues to hold the title of the highest-paid tennis player globally, showcasing the enduring impact of his legacy on and off the court.
