RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid footballer in the world, setting a new earnings record for 2024 with $285 million, as reported by Forbes. This comes amid the October international break for FIFA matchdays, where Ronaldo’s impressive earnings have once again put him at the top of the financial magazine’s annual report.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Ronaldo’s earnings include $220 million from his salary at Al Nassr and $65 million from commercial deals. Forbes noted that this total is a football record, previously only surpassed by boxer Floyd Mayweather during his prime. The report sheds light on the evolution of footballers’ finances over the last decade, with Ronaldo leading the list in 2014 with $73 million, a figure that has grown significantly.
The list not only highlights Ronaldo’s financial success but also features other prominent footballers. Lionel Messi ranks second with $135 million, largely driven by his move to Inter Miami and commercial endeavors with br
ands like Adidas and Apple TV. Neymar, now at Al Hilal, is third with $110 million, followed by Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad with $104 million. Both Neymar and Benzema have maintained high earnings despite moving away from European leagues.
The Saudi Pro League, which made significant investments in player signings in 2023, has decreased its spending this season yet continues to attract top talent with lucrative deals. Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema remain among the top beneficiaries of this economic boom in Saudi football.
Kylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, ranks fifth on the list with $90 million, followed by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at $60 million, and Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid at $55 million. Other notable names include Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah with $53 million, Al Nassr’s Sadio Mané with $52 million, and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne with $39 million.
The comprehensive list underscores the massive financial rewards at the top levels of football and highlights the shifting dynamics in playe
r earnings across the globe.