Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played for Manchester United twice, is among the most recognized athletes worldwide since he joined Old Trafford in 2003. His ranking among the highest-paid athletes has now been disclosed.
Simplifying earnings from various sports, Sportico places the 41-year-old in third place with inflation-adjusted earnings of $2.52 billion.
Without adjusting for inflation, Ronaldo’s earnings are reported at $2.09 billion, making him the second-highest athlete in history.
These figures represent not just his salary but also include bonuses, prize money, endorsements, licensing, royalties, memorabilia, book deals, media, and appearance fees.
For retired athletes, Sportico considered all earnings from their playing careers and post-retirement earnings through 2025.
Ronaldo is one of three footballers on this list, joined by Lionel Messi in fifth place ($1.99 billion) and former teammate David Beckham in eighth ($1.68 billion).
Apart from football, Sportico’s list features athletes from ten different sports.
Leading the list is NBA icon Michael Jordan with $4.5 billion, alongside notable names like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and LeBron James in the top ten.
Given Ronaldo’s legendary reputation and his rivalry with Messi over the past 15 years, it’s no surprise that he has earned significant amounts.
During the 2021/22 season, he was reportedly the highest-earning player in the Premier League, with a weekly salary of £480,000.
His time at Real Madrid significantly contributed to his impressive wealth.
In Madrid, Ronaldo received regular acclaim for his outstanding performances, which led to substantial payments.
His lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, the leading sports brand, further boosts his income.
By 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to exceed a billion-pound fortune. His remarkable annual income of £173 million at Al-Nassr is expected to increase that figure considerably.
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