Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-earning footballer in the world, in a recent list compiled by Forbes.
The lucrative contract given to the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr means that he is a long way clear at the top of the list.
Forbes’ list suggests that Ronaldo is earning £164m-per-year solely from his contract with Al-Nassr, while also receiving an additional £49m in various sponsorship deals.
Second in the list is Ronaldo’s eternal rival Lionel Messi, but a long way back on £111m-per-year, since joining MLS club Inter Miami.
Neymar in third is one of three other Saudi Pro League players in the top 10 along with Ronaldo, as the Brazilian’s contract at Al-Hilal has him above both Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane.
Ronaldo’s sponsorship income alone is more than the combined salary and sponsorship incomes of Premier League contingent Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, as well as England captain Harry Kane.
This news comes on the same week where Ronaldo extended his world-record international goal tally, after netting a brace against Slovakia on Friday night.
Portugal’s 3-2 win over the side just behind them in second in Group J of Euro 2024 qualifying saw Ronaldo score twice to extend his international total to 125.
Ronaldo told the press post-match: “He [Pinto] set me the challenge of reaching 1000 goals, it will be quite difficult, but it is to see how I am mentally, my motivation, if, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them.
“Until I reach 1000 I have to reach 900 first. I believe I will reach it. Now I always think about short-term goals. The target for 900 goals? I’m confident, but for 1000 goals it’s a lot of stone to break.” Ronaldo added.
After sealing their place at Euro 2024 with that win over Slovakia, it is questionable whether manager Roberto Martinez will start Ronaldo in their trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday.
Instead, Ronaldo may have to wait until next Saturday when Al-Nassr host Damac for him to add to his large tally.
