Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr while Lionel Messi features for Inter Miami.
Photo : AP
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football legend, has secured the coveted title of Forbes‘ highest-paid athlete for a remarkable fourth time in his career. This achievement comes after his high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in early 2023.
According to the survey, the Portuguese superstar earns a total of $260 million, the most by a football player.
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm came second, while Argentina’s World Cup winner stood third. Messi’s earnings are reportedly $135 million.
He is followed by NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111 million) of the Milwaukee Bucks while French superstar Kylian Mbappe has dropped down to sixth ($110 million).
This accomplishment marks a shift in the ongoing debate between Ronaldo and his longtime rival, Lionel Messi.
However, the debate of who is the greatest of all time still continues to be a talking point among fans.
Recently, USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie weighed in on the enduring “GOAT debate” between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We know Ronaldo and have seen him up close, so I would say Cristiano”, the American said.
McKennie’s sentiment found resonance in his Juventus teammate Moise Kean, who emphasized Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment to his profession. He stated : ”Yes, I also say Cristiano, but Messi is a different footballer. Messi has a natural talent that was given to him by God. Ronaldo did everything thanks to hard work. At three in the morning after a match he was doing cryotherapy. They told him, really? Go to sleep!”
Recently, Ronaldo, who turned 39-years-old played down retirement rumours and expressed his desire to continue his career in the game.
“I feel proud to have this age and still compete at the highest level. It’s great and it gives me motivation.”
“It’s great and it gives me motivation to carry on. If you look at my career for the last 20 years, my level is high. If you are top for 20 years, it’s unbelievable. I do that and I continue to do that. For me it’s a big achievement,” Goal.com quoted him as saying on the Whoop podcast.