Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer to Reach Multi-Billionaire Status
The Portuguese star's earnings have surpassed $2 billion in career income, with his lucrative Saudi Arabian contract significantly contributing.
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved a significant financial milestone, becoming the first footballer to become a multi-billionaire. According to Forbes, the veteran forward has earned £225 million this year alone, pushing his total career earnings past the $2 billion mark.
Ronaldo's continued high earnings are bolstered by his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he reportedly earns approximately £488,000 per day. Forbes estimates that Ronaldo has also generated £42 million from off-pitch endeavors, including endorsements and business ventures, in the past year.
Lionel Messi ranks second on Forbes' list, with an estimated £109 million earned over the past year. Messi's earnings comprise over £52 million from on-field activities and an additional £56 million from sponsorships and commercial deals. He is also expected to reach the $2 billion career earnings milestone soon.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is third on the list with earnings of £75 million. Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. round out the top five, with total earnings of £64 million and £57 million, respectively. Vinicius Jr.'s earnings saw a substantial increase, jumping from £44 million last year to £57 million following a new six-year contract and his role as the face of Brazil's national team.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal makes his debut on the list in sixth place, reportedly earning £41 million over the past year. He is followed by Sadio Mane and Jude Bellingham, both earning £40 million. Mane, like Ronaldo, benefits from a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr.
England teammate Harry Kane is ninth on the list with £31 million, with potential for his earnings to increase through a contract extension at Bayern Munich and his ambassadorship with Skechers. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah completes the top ten with an estimated £30 million earned this year. Despite tearing up his contract with Liverpool, Salah secured a deal with Turkish side Trabzonspor that guarantees him £14.5 million per season, plus performance bonuses and a 20% share of club merchandise revenue featuring his name.