Cristiano Ronaldo tops best-paid athletes list with Al-Nassr contract: Where does Lionel Messi rank?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent contract renewal with Al-Nassr through June 2027 has solidified his position as the highest-paid athlete in the world. This milestone underscores not only his continued dominance on the pitch but also highlights the growing financial influence of Saudi Arabia in global soccer. By signing this lucrative deal, Ronaldo has created a substantial gap between himself and other top athletes, including his long-time rival Lionel Messi. As the sports business landscape evolves, the earnings of these two icons provide insight into the commercial power dynamics in soccer and beyond.
Cristiano Ronaldo tops best-paid athletes list thanks to Al-Nassr deal
According to Sportico’s latest annual ranking of the 100 best-paid athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo leads the pack by a wide margin. The ranking considers salary, prize money, and endorsements, giving a comprehensive view of athletes’ total earnings. In Ronaldo’s case, his income breaks down to approximately $200 million from salary and winnings combined, with an additional $60 million coming from endorsements. This totals an eye-watering $260 million, effectively matching his previous year’s earnings and reaffirming his status at the summit of sports income.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is central to this achievement. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious investment in football, aiming to raise the profile of its domestic league, has attracted superstar talent, with Ronaldo as the marquee figurehead. This strategy not only amplifies the league’s visibility but also provides Ronaldo with a financial package rarely seen outside of European elite clubs. His commitment until 2027 ensures he will remain a pivotal figure in promoting football’s growth in the region for years to come.
Where does Lionel Messi rank among the best-paid athletes?
While Ronaldo tops the list, Lionel Messi occupies third place, demonstrating both his continued relevance and impressive earnings, albeit significantly lower than his competitor’s. Now the face of Inter Miami and a key figure in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi’s financial portfolio differs in structure from Ronaldo’s, benefiting from unique deals involving both the club and the league itself.
Messi’s total earnings are estimated at around $130 million: $60 million from salary and winnings, combined with $70 million from endorsements. Despite this substantial amount, Messi was edged out of the second position by professional boxer Canelo Álvarez, who made $137 million through high-profile bouts. Nonetheless, Messi remains one of the most bankable soccer stars globally, with his move to MLS marking a new chapter in both his career and the league’s commercial ascent.
Other soccer players featuring on the best-paid athletes list
Soccer continues to feature prominently on Sportico’s best-paid athletes list, alongside top stars from basketball, baseball, boxing, golf, and American football. This wide representation highlights the global nature of the sport and the lucrative opportunities available across different leagues and continents. Beyond Ronaldo and Messi, several other soccer players made the top 100, reflecting a blend of established superstars and up-and-coming talent.
Here’s a snapshot of some notable soccer players in the rankings alongside their earnings:
- Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) – 6th place, $115 million
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – 12th place, $95 million
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 18th place, $77.9 million
- Neymar (Santos) – 30th place, $60 million
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – 34th place, $58 million
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 43rd place, $54 million
- Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – 45th place, $53.5 million
- Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr) – 52nd place, $50 million
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – 75th place, $43.3 million
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – 86th place, $39.5 million
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – 96th place, $38 million
These figures underscore soccer’s growing financial muscle worldwide. The prominence of players from Saudi clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, alongside stars from historic European institutions and MLS, illustrates the sport’s expanding global footprint.
The evolving economics of global soccer’s top earners
The financial gap between Ronaldo and Messi, highlighted in the best-paid athletes ranking, is reflective not only of their personal choices but also of broader trends in the sports industry. Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investment strategy is reshaping the economic landscape, offering salaries and endorsement opportunities that rival those in Europe’s top leagues. Meanwhile, MLS’s growth, bolstered by marquee signings like Messi, is creating a fresh commercial hub in North America.
For fans, these developments signal exciting times ahead: new markets, heightened competition, and an increased flow of talent and resources that enrich the global soccer ecosystem. For the athletes, it means making strategic career moves that balance competitive legacy with financial rewards.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again cemented his status as the highest-paid athlete in the world, thanks to his lucrative contract renewal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Extending his stay through June 2027, Ronaldo’s agreement highlights both his immense global marketability and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to elevate its soccer profile internationally. This development places Ronaldo far ahead of his longtime rival Lionel Messi in the annual earnings race. To understand the full scope of these earnings and where Messi stands, it is essential to delve into the latest rankings released by Sportico, a trusted source that analyzes athletes’ income worldwide.
