Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes List as Highest-Paid Footballer in 2023

• Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list as the highest-paid footballer and athlete globally in 2023, earning €235 million after joining Al Nassr
• Lionel Messi secures the second spot with €122 million following his move from Paris Saint Germain to Inter Miami

Forbes has declared Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid footballer and athlete globally for the year 2023. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s financial success soared after joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in December, following the termination of his contract with Manchester United. Ronaldo’s substantial earnings of €235 million include wages, endorsement deals, and bonuses.

Notably, other prominent players such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane, who also made moves to Saudi Pro League clubs in the previous summer, experienced significant boosts in their earnings, securing spots in the top ten rankings.

In the second position, Ronaldo’s long-time career rival, Lionel Messi, earned the second-highest amount in 2023 after making a move from Paris Saint Germain to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Messi, a 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and an eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, accrued his income through wages, bonuses, and endorsement deals.

Here is the Forbes list of the top ten highest-paid footballers in 2023:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – €235 Million – Al Nassr
2. Lionel Messi – €122 million – Inter Miami
3. Neymar – €101 million – Al Hilal
4. Kylian Mbappe – €99 million – PSG
5. Karim Benzema – €96 million – Al-Ittihad
6. Erling Haaland – €52 million – Manchester City
7. Mohammed Salah – €48 million – Liverpool
8. Sadio Mane – €47 million – Al Nassr
9. Kevin De Bruyne – €35 million – Manchester City
10. Harry Kane – €33 million – Bayern Munich

The rankings reflect the financial success and global impact of these football icons, underlining the growing influence of the sport on the world stage.