Ronaldo tops list of world’s highest-paid athletes

For the first time since 2017 (and third time overall), Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning himself a Guinness World Records title for the highest annual earnings for an athlete in 2023.

In the 12 months leading up to 1st May 2023 (the date by which most sports seasons are concluded), Ronaldo is estimated to have earned $136 million.

Ronaldo takes the title from Messi, who was the highest-paid athlete of 2022 with an estimated $130 million.

Forbes calculates athletes’ earnings based on data obtained from industry insiders, news reports and salary databases.

Source: Guiness World Records