The 10 Highest-Paid Sportsman Revealed

Cristiano Ronaldo has re-climbed to the top of the highest-paid sportsman worldwide, leading Forbes’ ranking for the first time since 2017.

The 38-year-old is estimated to have earned $136 million (R2.48 billion) over the last year, with $36 million (R657 million) coming from his playing salary, bonuses and prize money, while a massive $90 million (R1.64 billion) are coming from endorsements, according to Forbes.

However, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr deal hasn’t even fully kicked in yet after he only joined the Saudi Arabian side in January. He is estimated to earn $75 million (R1.37 billion) per year in the Saudi Pro League.

Messi’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain earns him $65 million (R1.19 billion), while his endorsement and other dealings off the pitch get him the same amount – overall, he pockets $130 million (R2.37 billion).

Kylian Mbappe is the youngest athlete in the top 10, earning a massive $120 million (R2.19 billion) per annum at the age of 24. The French superstar pockets $100 million (R1.83 billion) in salary and bonuses, but comparable low $20 million (R365 million) off the pitch.

The rest of the top 10 is made up of basketball superstars, golfers, boxer Canelo Alvarez and tennis star Roger Federer.

The 10 highest-paid athletes, as per Forbes:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $136 million
2. Lionel Messi – $130 million
3. Kylian Mbappe – $120 million 
4. Lebron James – $119.5 million
5. Canelo Alvarez – $110 million
6. Dustin Johnson – $107 million
7. Phil Mickelson – $106 million
8. Stephen Curry – $136 million
9. Roger Federer – $95.1 million
10. Kevin Durant – $89.1 million

Figures cover on-the-pitch and off-the-pitch income over the last 12 months, leading up to 1 May.