Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes 2023 highest-paid athletes list after Saudi move football news
Cristiano Ronaldo became the world’s highest-paid athlete after Al-Nasr’s move from Saudi Arabia, according to Forbes, while Paris Saint-Germain pair Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe round out the top three with almost double their annual wages. Gave. Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi football club on a deal until 2025 after leaving Manchester United last year, earned $136 million, with Forbes saying his annual playing salary has risen to an estimated $75 million.
Ronaldo’s contract has been estimated by the media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($219.98 million). PSG forward Messi, 35, was next on the list after bringing home a combined amount of $130 million, while club teammate and France captain Mbappe – the youngest on the list at 24 – was third on $120 million. are. PSG is owned by Qatar Sports Investments.
Los Angeles Lakers player and NBA great LeBron James ($119.5 million) and Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez ($110 million) rounded out the top five. Last year also saw the arrival of LIV Golf, a breakaway tour that attracted some of the top players on the US-based PGA Tour with big bucks, and two of its golfers finished in the top 10.
Former world number one Dustin Johnson ($107 million, sixth) made the biggest gain in LIV golf after making the controversial switch, not even making the cut for the top 50 in 2022, while he tied for seventh with fellow LIV golfer Phil Mickelson ($106 million). ) got included in. million).
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry ($100.4 million) and Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns ($89.1 million) are the other two basketball players on the list. Former tennis star Roger Federer ($95.1 million) is the only retired player in the top 10.
Forbes said his on-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned over the past 12 months, while off-field earnings estimate cash returns from sponsorship deals, appearance fees, licensing income and businesses he operates. Is.
