Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid footballer of 2024, out-earning long-time rival Lionel Messi, Soccernet.football reports.
The 39-year-old Portuguese star, now with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, raked in an astonishing $285 million over the year, surpassing Messi’s $135 million, according to Forbes.
Ronaldo’s massive earnings include $220 million in salary and $65 million from off-field ventures, such as his new YouTube channel, which garnered over a million followers within 90 minutes of its launch.
On the field, Ronaldo continues to perform at the highest level for Al-Nassr, while his business ventures off the pitch have further cemented his status as a global icon.
Meanwhile, Messi, 37, has enjoyed a lucrative year himself, earning $135 million in total. His salary at Inter Miami stands at $60 million, with an additional $75 million coming from off-pitch collaborations, including high-profile deals with Apple TV, Adidas, and Konami. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until 2025, ensuring that he remains a prominent figure both in football and in global marketing.
Completing the top three is Brazilian star Neymar, whose move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal brought him $110 million despite his injury troubles last season. Neymar’s $80 million salary, paired with $30 million from endorsements and investments, keeps him among the world’s top earners.
French striker Karim Benzema ranks fourth with $104 million, while former PSG star Kylian Mbappé earned $90 million, placing him fifth. The Real Madrid forward earned $70 million in salary and $20 million off the field.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland ($60 million) is in sixth place, followed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior ($55 million). Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah ($53 million) takes eighth spot, with Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mané ($48 million) and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne ($39 million) rounding out the top ten.
This year’s list highlights the financial dominance of Saudi Arabian clubs, with Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema leading the charge.