Ronaldo named world’s highest-paid athlete for 2023 ahead of Messi [Top 5]

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-earning athlete in the world in 2023.

However, his eternal rival Lionel Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami, came in third on the list.

Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr saw him earn £218 million ($275 million) for the year.

According to Sportico, that puts him at the top of the list of highest-paid athletes, £57 million more than the second highest, golf star Jon Rahm, who earned £161 million ($203 million).

Messi, who left Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent last summer, was the third-best-paid athlete for the year, raking in £103 million ($130 million), ahead of basketball legend LeBron James, who earned £99.8 million ($126 million).

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe rounded off the top five with £99.2 million ($125 million).