Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning himself a Guinness World Records title for the highest annual earnings for an athlete in 2023.
After a one-year season that led to 1 May 2023 (the date at which most sports seasons are concluded), Ronaldo is estimated to have earned $136 million (£107.5 M).
By reliable statistics, this is the first time since 2017 (and third time overall) Ronaldo is holding on to this title.
He claims the title from Messi, the highest-paid athlete of 2022 with an estimated $130 million (£103 M).
Two other football players, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, are behind Ronaldo.
While Messi came in second with $130 million, divided into $65 million in on-field earnings and $65 million in off-field earnings, Mbappé’s on-field earnings of $100 million add significantly to his total of $120 million.
According to Guinness World Records, Forbes calculates athletes’ earnings based on data obtained from industry insiders, news reports, and salary databases.
The on-field earnings figures include salaries, prize money, and bonuses, whilst the off-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees, memorabilia, licensing income, plus cash returns from any businesses where the athlete has a significant interest.
They do not include interest payments or dividends from investment income but account for payouts from equity stakes that athletes have sold.
