Cristiano Ronaldo turns into highest-paid athlete after Saudi transfer

Cristiano Ronaldo has change into the world’s highest-paid athlete following his transfer to Saudi Arabian aspect Al-Nassr, almost doubling his annual enjoying wage.

Paris St Germain duo Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe spherical off the highest three sports activities earners, in keeping with Forbes.

The Portuguese was third final yr behind Messi and NBA nice LeBron James.

Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi soccer membership on a deal till 2025 after leaving Manchester United final yr, earned $US136m ($A200m) with Forbes saying his annual enjoying wage went as much as an estimated $A110m.

Ronaldo’s contract has been estimated by media to be value greater than $A330m.

PSG ahead Messi, 35, was subsequent on the record after bringing house a mixed $A195m) whereas membership workforce mate and France captain Mbappe — the youngest on the record at 24 — earned $A180m to sit down third.

PSG are owned by Qatar Sports activities Investments.

Los Angeles Lakers participant James ($A180m) and Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez $A165m) rounded out the highest 5.

Final yr additionally noticed the appearance of LIV Golf, the breakaway tour that has lured away among the US-based PGA Tour’s high gamers with enormous sums of cash, and two of its golfers make the highest 10.

Former world primary Dustin Johnson (sixth with $A160m) made the largest acquire after making the controversial swap to LIV Golf having not even made the reduce for the highest 50 in 2022 whereas he was joined by fellow LIV golfer Phil Mickelson.

4-times NBA champion Stephen Curry and Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant are the opposite two basketball gamers on the record.

Former tennis ace Roger Federer is the one retired participant within the high 10.

Forbes stated its on-field earnings figures embody all prize cash, salaries and bonuses earned within the final 12 months whereas off-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship offers, look charges, licensing earnings and money returns from companies they function.

Australian Related Press