Forbes has released its latest list of the world’s highest-paid footballers, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi topping the rankings.
Despite nearing the end of their illustrious careers, the duo continues to reap substantial financial rewards from the sport.
Ronaldo, 39, takes the top spot with an annual income of $285 million, comprising $220 million in wages from Al Nassr and $65 million from sponsorships.
Messi, the only MLS player in the top ten, earns $135 million, with $60 million from wages and $75 million from off-field sponsorships.
The list is dominated by players from the Saudi Arabian league, with Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane also making the cut.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior represent LaLiga, while the Premier League is represented by Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Ronaldo and Messi’s enduring success underscores their status as two of the greatest footballers in history.
Their impressive earnings highlight the significant financial benefits that come with being among the sport’s elite.
The top earners’ list showcases the shifting landscape of football’s financial powerhouses, with Saudi Arabian league players increasingly prominent alongside traditional European powerhouses.
