Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes again, Jon Rahm second
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Forbes said that Cristiano Ronaldo's estimated total earnings were in the region of US$260 million (S$350 million).
PHOTO: REUTERS
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NEW YORK – Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time, while Spanish golfer Jon Rahm moved up to second following his sensational switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Ronaldo became the world’s highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and Forbes said the 39-year-old’s estimated total earnings were in the region of US$260 million (S$350 million), an all-time high for a footballer.
His on-field earnings amounted to US$200 million while his off-field earnings were US$60 million, thanks to sponsorship deals in which brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.
Two-time Major winner Rahm joined LIV Golf in December in a move that sent shockwaves after media reports said the current world No. 5 would be paid at least US$300 million.
Besides that figure, the Spaniard earned US$218 million and joined Ronaldo as the only two athletes to cross the US$200 million mark.
Third is record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, who made a lucrative switch to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, helping the Argentinian World Cup winner earn US$135 million.
The 36-year-old made US$65 million in on-field earnings but US$70 million off it, thanks to deals with major sponsors such as Adidas and Apple.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, 39, is fourth at US$128.2 million and, although the first National Basketball Association (NBA) player to score 40,000 points is nearing the end of his career, he is set to have one last crack at the Olympics.
Fellow NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo (US$111 million) of the Milwaukee Bucks rounds out the top five.
France’s football captain Kylian Mbappe drops to sixth (US$110 million), ahead of his expected move to Real Madrid next season after seven years at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Former PSG star Neymar, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, is seventh (US$108 million) despite sitting out the majority of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
French striker Karim Benzema, who moved to Saudi Arabia as well, is eighth (US$106 million), followed by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (US$102 million).
Lamar Jackson is the only National Football League player on the list in 10th place (US$100.5 million), thanks to the signing bonus that was negotiated into his new Baltimore Ravens contract in 2023. REUTERS
Top 10 highest-paid athletes
Cristiano Ronaldo (football) - US$260 million
Jon Rahm (golf) - US$218 million
Lionel Messi (football) - US$135 million
LeBron James (basketball) - US$128.2 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo (basketball) - US$111 million
Kylian Mbappe (football) - US$110 million
Neymar (football) - US$108 million
Karim Benzema (football) - US$106 million
Stephen Curry (basketball) - US$102 million
Lamar Jackson (American football) - US$100.5 million
