Cristiano Ronaldo's jaw-dropping earnings revealed as he tops the Forbes sporting rich list once again while Lionel Messi drops down the rankings - but a Brit enters the list in third with a whopping £110m
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world's highest-paid athlete yet again as he tops Forbes' rich list.
The 40-year-old striker earned an estimated £206.6million ($275m) last year - an increase of £11.2m from 2023.
Ronaldo has now topped the list for a third consecutive year and a fifth time during his glistening career.
The Portuguese star has reportedly been paid a staggering £177million-a-year salary by his Saudi club Al Nassr since joining from Manchester United in December 2022.
He also has other streams of income through various sponorships and boasts an enormous social media following of 939m.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's salary has only ever been dwarfed by one athlete, Floyd Mayweather.
The former world champion boxer earned an astonishing $300m (then £194m) in 2015 and $275m in 2018 (then £205m).
Ronaldo pipped NBA legend Steph Curry, who was ranked second with a £117m ($156m) salary in a season which saw him become the first ever player to hit 4,000 three pointers.
British boxer Tyson Fury came in third on the rich list, with an estimated salary of £109m ($146m) after two fights with Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
The 36-year-old retired for a fifth time after losing his heavyweight title to Usyk via unanimous decision in December, but has been urged to return to the ring.
Ronaldo's long time rival Lionel Messi is ranked at fifth, dropping down from third last year.
The Inter Miami forward took home £101.4m ($135m) last year, with an estimated £56.2m ($75m) in off-field earnings.
The Argentine is paid handsomely for a sponsorship deal to promote Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination.
While Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Champions Al-Ittihad, was named as the eight highest paid athlete, raking in £78.2m ($104m).
Basketball stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant make up the rest of list, alongside Dallas Cowboy's quarterback Dak Prescott, and baseballer players Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Hajj in Mecca: The decades-old intrigue around an Indian guest house
As the annual Hajj pilgrimage draws to a close, a long-settled corner of Mecca is stirring up a storm thousands of miles away in India - not for its spiritual significance, but for a 50-year-old inheritance the heart of the controversy is Keyi Rubath, a 19th-Century guest house built in the 1870s by Mayankutty Keyi, a wealthy Indian merchant from Malabar (modern-day Kerala), whose trading empire stretched from Mumbai to near Islam's holiest site, Masjid al-Haram, the building was demolished in 1971 to make way for Mecca's expansion. Saudi authorities deposited 1.4 million riyals (about $373,000 today) in the kingdom's treasury as compensation, but said no rightful heir could be identified at the later, that sum - still held in Saudi Arabia's treasury - has sparked a bitter tussle between two sprawling branches of the Keyi family, each trying to prove its lineage and claim what they see as their rightful side has succeeded so far. For decades, successive Indian governments - both at the Centre and in Kerala - have tried and failed to resolve the remains unclear if Saudi authorities are even willing to release the compensation, let alone adjust it for inflation as some family members now demand - with some claiming it could be worth over $1bn today. Followers of the case note the property was a waqf - an Islamic charitable endowment - meaning descendants can manage but not own Saudi department that handles Awqaf (endowed properties) did not respond to the BBC's request for comment, and the government has made no public statement on the hasn't stopped speculation - about both the money and who it rightfully belongs is known about the guest house itself, but descendants claim it stood just steps from the Masjid al-Haram, with 22 rooms and several halls spread over 1.5 acres. According to family lore, Keyi shipped wood from Malabar to build it and appointed a Malabari manager to run it - an ambitious gesture, though not unusual for the time. Saudi Arabia was a relatively poor country back then - the discovery of its massive oil fields still a few decades Hajj pilgrimage and the city's importance in Islam meant that Indian Muslims often donated money or built infrastructure for Indian pilgrims his 2014 book, Mecca: The Sacred City, historian Ziauddin Sardar notes that during the second half of the 18th Century, the city had acquired a distinctively Indian character with its economy and financial well-being dependent on Indian Muslims."Almost 20% of the city's inhabitants, the largest single majority, were now of Indian origins – people from Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir and Deccan, all collectively known locally as the Hindis," Sardar Saudi Arabia's oil wealth surged in the 20th century, sweeping development projects reshaped Mecca. Keyi Rubath was demolished three times, the final time in the early when the confusion around compensation appears to have started. According to BM Jamal, former secretary of India's Central Waqf Council, the Indian consulate in Jeddah wrote to the government back then, seeking details of Mayankutty Keyi's legal heir. "In my understanding, authorities were looking for the descendants to appoint a manager for the property, not to distribute the compensation money," Mr Jamal two factions stepped forward: the Keyis - Mayankutty's paternal family - and the Arakkals, a royal family from Kerala into which he had married. Both families traditionally followed a matrilineal inheritance system - a custom not recognized under Saudi law, adding further Keyis claim that Mayankutty died childless, making his sister's children his rightful heirs under matrilineal tradition. But the Arakkals claim he had a son and a daughter, and therefore, under Indian law, his children would be the legal inheritors. As the dispute dragged on, the story took on a life of its own. In 2011, after rumours swirled that the compensation could be worth millions, more than 2,500 people flooded a district office in Kannur, claiming to be Keyi's descendants."There were people who claimed that their forefathers had taught Mayankutty in his childhood. Others claimed that their forefathers had provided timber for the guest house," a senior Keyi family member, who wanted to stay anonymous, told the followed. State officials say in 2017 fraudsters posing as Keyi descendants duped locals into handing over money, promising a share of the compensation. Today, the case remains unresolved. Some descendants propose the best way to end the dispute would be to ask the Saudi government to use the compensation money to build another guest house for Hajj pilgrims, as Myankutti Keyi had others reject this, arguing that the guest house was privately owned, and so any compensation rightfully belongs to the argue that even if the family proves lineage to Mayankutty Keyi, without ownership documents, they're unlikely to gain Muhammed Shihad, a Kannur resident who has co-authored a book on the history of the Keyi and Arakkal families, though, the dispute is not just about the money - but about honouring the family's roots. "If they don't get the compensation, it would be worth openly recognising the family's and the region's connection to this noble act."
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Lamine Yamal will look to cement claim to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne when young pretender locks horns with superstar idol for the first time in quest for Nations League glory
Lamine Yamal declared the Nations League final would give him the chance to 'prove who I am'. As if he hasn't already done that. Blessed with jaw-dropping ability and magic feet, he is a household name at the tender age of 17. Yamal scored twice and took home the player of the match award after inspiring Spain to a pulsating 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart, and now has 48 goal contributions in his 57 games for club and country this season. Terrifyingly, there is more to come. Using the phrase 'the sky is the limit' often feels like an easy throwaway, and it has been bandied about all too often to describe the potential of players who, one way or another, have gone on to drop off the radar, burdened by expectation. Yamal, though, is a different breed. He is destined, and always has been, for the top. He remains humbly tied to his roots, demonstrated when Mail Sport paid a recent visit to his Rocafonda and through his celebrations, in which he makes the gesture of the number 304, the last digits of the neigbourhood's local postcode. But he is also already head-first on a journey which will surely elevate him to the pantheon of all-time greats, placing him right alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. There are numerous connections between the two players despite the huge gulf in their ages. After scoring his second goal against France, Yamal even mimicked Ronaldo's famous celebration by sitting on the advertisement hoardings and posing. He will go face-to-face with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for the very first time on Sunday. Ronaldo, let us not forget, is 23 years Yamal's senior, not that he will be in a hurry to admit he is on the cusp of being usurped by the young pretender. Proving he still has 'it', the veteran scored Portugal's winner against Germany in the other semi-final. 'He's a football legend,' Yamal said. 'I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano. I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that's it.' Feet planted firmly on the ground, he will know there is work to do to catch Ronaldo. Ronaldo had already won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the League Cup, and scored 17 goals for his country by the time Yamal was born. At six months, Yamal was bathed by Lionel Messi in a photoshoot and, from that point, football never let go. Fast forward 16 years, and Yamal announced himself on the world stage. His big moment came in Munich in July 2024, when his wand of a left foot dispatched a sumptuous curling effort into the top corner. Fittingly, that was also against France. Demonstrating that he was here to stay, Yamal became the youngest-ever scorer at a major tournament, replacing Pele in the record books. It is no surprise that Barcelona, who realised his genius at an early age, have already thrown money at him. Spanish law limits long-term contracts for minors, but a long-term agreement is in place for Yamal to sign until 2030 when he turns 18 in July. His future certainly lies in Catalonia, too, with his current deal containing a whopping £1billion release clause. Agent Jorge Mendes believes the only factor stopping Yamal from winning the Ballon d'Or is his age, but time is certainly on his side. Both Ronaldo and Messi were in their early 20s when they won the award for the first time, and Yamal could beat that. In Barcelona, they believe they have unearthed the heir to Messi's throne. Back in 2023, when Xavi weighed up bringing the Argentine back to the club from Paris Saint-Germain, a board member warned against it, telling him they already had the kid that PSG wanted in Yamal. Now, CIES Football Observatory have valued him at £340m. The fire still burns bright within Ronaldo, however, even as his youthful exuberance fades. He believes he is still at the top of his game, and better than his rivals. 'I am the greatest scorer in history,' Ronaldo bullishly told La Sexta. 'Although I am not left-footed, I am in the top 10 in history for goals scored with the left foot. 'These are numbers, I am the most complete player who has ever existed. I play well with my head, I take good free-kicks, I am fast, I am strong, I jump... 'I have never seen anyone better than me.' It's hard to argue against that in the never-ending GOAT debate, although some claim Ronaldo's top-level sharpness has been dulled by his decision to join Al-Nassr. According to reports, he is expected to remain with the Saudi Pro League side. No official announcement has been made over a new deal, but he is said to have reached an agreement to extend his contract until 2027, tying him down until he turns 42. He treats his body like a temple and it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that he plays on beyond that. Unlike other 40 somethings, he doesn't have to watch his knees when he leaps into the air before landing and bellowing 'siu'. Ronaldo still looks in peak condition and enjoyed an impressive individual season, scoring 35 goals in 41 appearances as Al-Nassr finished third. He has been accused of stat-padding in the Gulf state, but the ace scores goals no matter where he is. Take his display against Germany in Munich, for example. Ronaldo was a constant thorn in the side of his opponents and popped up with the winner, tapping in to score his 137th international goal and take his career tally to 937. 'It's difficult to put into words. He takes each day as an opportunity to get better,' said Portugal boss Roberto Martinez. 'As a human, when you have success, you wake up and you have less hunger. But not Cristiano.' Countryman Bernardo Silva added: 'It's his ambition to keep going. It's never easy - to still be hungry to go every day. He's been doing this for more than 20 years. 'It's tough, but he's here with us and we're happy he scored again.' Even Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann was left in awe by the superstar's fitness. 'At 40, Ronaldo has a great body and he invests a lot in it,' he said. 'He invests a lot in himself and the result is there for all to see. He scored, it's not by chance.' Ronaldo needs just 63 more goals to become the first player to score 1,000, with Pele and Romario's claims to the milestone not officially recognised. That alone underlines his longevity and sheer defiance in the face of the dying light. Yamal, a different type of forward but seemingly just as deadly in front of goal, is unlikely to come close to that figure, but he is equally mesmersing to watch. He is unadulterated magic and will light up TV screens for decades to come. So, the stage is set. Only one of Yamal and Ronaldo will lead their country to Nations League glory, but keep a close eye on the equally irresistible subplots. Enjoy every touch and drop of the shoulder, because generational players like these deserve to be savoured. The cold, hard numbers can wait for another day.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Champions League giants could be hit with three-month stadium ban for refusing to let Cristiano Ronaldo play there
PORTUGUESE giants Benfica could be hit with a three-month stadium ban and a fine after they threatened to refuse to host Portugal national team matches. Benfica issued a remarkable statement targeting the standard of officiating across Portuguese club competition last month, risking backlash from the Portuguese Footballing Federation (FPF). 3 3 The Champions League club lashed out at "serious events" in the late rounds of the Portuguese Cup and Liga Portugal season that saw them miss out on both trophies to Sporting Lisbon. Benfica's statement requested disciplinary reviews against VAR officials from the Portuguese Cup final and the immediate release of audio recordings from the match. While they also detailed that they would inform the FPF that they will not host national team matches at the Estadio da Luz "until integrity prevails in domestic competitions" - barring Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates from the ground. That vow could prove costly to the two-time Champions League winners, who face a ban and a fine if they follow through with the threat. That's because FPF rules state that any club that refuses to make their stadium available to the national team "without justified cause" will be subject to a penalty. That penalty consists of a stadium ban running from one to three months and fine. At present no action has been taken against Benfica. Benfica narrowly missed out on the Primeira Liga title by two points following a 1-1 draw with Braga on the final day of the season. Benfica's requests Take a look at the action that Benfica have requested is taken following their complaint about officiating in Portugal... To request disciplinary review against the refereeing and VAR team of the Cup Final. To request disciplinary review against players Matheus Reis and Maxi Araújo for the multiple attacks on player Andrea Belotti. Demand the immediate release of the audio recordings between the Referee and VAR from the Portuguese Cup Final, as well as the scores given to them. Make a statement to FIFA, UEFA and IFAB regarding the illicit application of the VAR protocol in Portugal, which has called into question integrity. Demand that the newly elected Refereeing Council take a public position, presenting concrete measures and solutions to correct its actions, under penalty of not being able to continue in office. Suspend participation in the Centralisation League working groups and request an urgent hearing with the Government, informing it that, at this time, the conditions to move forward with this process are not being met. Inform the Portuguese Football Federation that, until integrity prevails in domestic competitions, Sport Lisboa e Benfica will be unavailable to host matches of the National Team in its stadium. Sport Lisboa e Benfica demands that the next season be decided on the pitch, in a transparent manner, which did not happen in the sports season that is now finished. We always assume our responsibilities. We demand that those who oversee and govern Portuguese football also assume theirs. While they fell to a controversial 3-1 defeat to Sporting in the Potuguese Cup final too, conceding in the 11th minute of injury time before shipping two more goals in extra-time. Club president Rui Costa slammed the officials after the conclusion of the cup final. He said: "Benfica lost, I accept that responsibility, but we have to look at Portuguese football. We definitely have to look at Portuguese football." Adding: "So, let those in charge of refereeing, let those in charge of the referees analyse this game and see how a VAR that can cancel out two situations for Benfica can't see two plays like this. "He's probably going to be rewarded now and become the leader of VAR in Portugal, which is an extraordinary thing. "I repeat: you've rarely heard me talk about referees, but there are situations that go beyond that. I've tried, I've tried to be a president of an institution the size of Benfica that is responsible and tries to help Portuguese football in this regard. "But there are situations that go beyond all limits, because these aren't mistakes that we should be discussing here: whether it was a foul, whether it wasn't a foul, whether it was a penalty, whether it wasn't a penalty. "We're talking about two clear, obvious assaults, not seen either by the linesman, who was standing next to the play, or by the referee, or by the VAR." Benfica are currently preparing for the Club World Cup. 3
