Forbes lists Ronaldo as the Highest-paid Player

It’s the fourth time in Ronaldo’s career that Forbes has named him the highest-paid player. Jon Rahm is now in second place.

Ronaldo was also at the top of the list after moving to the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr last year.

Forbes magazine says that the 39-year-old forward from Portugal made $260m (£205m) last year, up from $136m (£108.7m) the previous year.

Lionel Messi, who is Ronaldo’s biggest foe, has dropped a spot and is now third, behind Rahm.

Because he switched to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, the Spanish player moved up to second place and is said to have made $218 million (£172 million).

Neymar and Karim Benzema, two football players who moved to the Saudi Pro League, have also made it into the top 10.

Fifth on the list is basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo, following basketball stars LeBron James (fourth) and Stephen Curry (ninth). Tenth on the list is Lamar Jackson, an American football quarterback.

Forbes says that the 10 best-paid athletes in the world made a total of $1.38 billion (£1.06 billion) before taxes and agent fees in the last year. This is the biggest amount of money any sport has ever made.

The ten best-paid athletes in the world in 2024

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, football player: £260 million (£205 million)

2. Jon Rahm, golf: $218 million (£172 million)

NFL player Lionel Messi: $135 million (£107 million)

4. NBA star LeBron James: $128.2 million (£101 million)

5. NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo: $111 million (£88 million)

6. Kylian Mbappe, football player: £110 million (£87 million)

7. Neymar, football player: $108 million (£85 million)

8. Karim Benzema, football player: £106 million (£84 million)

9. Stephen Curry, basketball: $102 million (£80 million)

10. LAMAR JANE, American football player: £100.5 million (£79 million)