Forbes has revealed a new list on the highest paid athletes in the world in 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the highest paid athlete in the world, after his huge contract with the Saudi club Al Nassr.
The Portuguese striker has beaten his eternal rival, Lionel Messi to ascend the throne once again.
CR7 made a dramatic change this summer by moving to Saudi Arabia after a turbulent year and a half at Manchester United.
The Portuguese superstar’s decision to join Al Nassr has undoubtedly paid off. Apart from continuing to score goals in Riyadh, his huge contract has also earned him a substantial salary increase. According to Forbes magazine, the 38-year-old player is paid $136 million a year.
It is the first time since 2017 and for the third time in his career that the former Real Madrid and Juventus player has topped the list of the highest paid athletes in the world.
Lionel Messi is ranked second this year. The PSG star receives an annual income of 130 million dollars.
List of top 10 highest paid athletes in 2023:
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (football player) – $136 million
2) Lionel Messi (football player) – $130 million
3) Kylian Mbappe (football player) – $120 million
4) LeBron James (basketball player) – $119.5 million
5) Canelo Alvarez (Boxer) – $110 million
6) Dustin Johnson (golfer) – $107 million
7) Phil Mickelson (golfer) – $106 million
8) Stephen Curry (basketball player) – $100.4 million
9) Roger Federer (former tennis player) – $95.1 million
10) Kevin Durant (basketball player) – $89.1 million.