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GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
It has been revealed that the Portuguese superstar pulled in £218 million ($285) over the course of the last 12 months – with that healthy return placing him at the top of a highest-earning chart by quite some distance. Ronaldo’s financial figures have soared over the course of the last 10 years, since topping the charts in 2014 with earnings of £55m ($73m).
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GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi sits a long way back on his eternal rival in second place on the Forbes list, with the Argentine icon bringing in £103m ($135m). The Inter Miami playmaker does top the charts when it comes to off-field ventures, as they earned him £57m ($75m) across the last 12 months.
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It comes as no surprise to find that Saudi-based players dominate the chart, with Brazilian forward Neymar (£84m/$110m), French striker Karim Benzema (£79m/$104m) and Senegalese winger Sadio Mane (£40m/$52m) – who ply their trade for Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr respectively – all in the top 10.
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Getty ImagesWHO ELSE MAKES THE TOP 10?
La Liga dominance of the list has been broken in recent times, with Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr the only stars playing in Spain to fill positions in the top 10. There are three Premier League representatives in the form of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (£45m/$60m), his club colleague Kevin De Bruyne and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah.
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While earning more than double what Messi brings in, Ronaldo’s figures also eclipse the combined totals of entrants sixth through tenth on the Forbes list. CR7’s current contract is due to expire in 2025, but he is expected to sign an extension in the Middle East and intends to play on for some time yet.
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