Cristiano Ronaldo, a renowned soccer icon, has returned to the pinnacle of Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2023, a position he hadn’t occupied since 2017.
The feat, marking Cristiano Ronaldo’s third time at the top, also secures him a Guinness World Records title for the highest annual earnings for an athlete in 2023. Ronaldo, in the 12 months leading up to May 1, 2023, is estimated to have raked in a whopping $136 million (£107.5 M), seizing the title from Lionel Messi, who held the position in 2022 with an estimated $130 million (£103 M) earnings.
Ronaldo’s staggering income includes $46 million (£35 M) from on-field earnings and a dominant $90 million (£68.5 M) from off-field ventures. Despite a less than stellar second stint at Manchester United, Ronaldo’s shift to the Saudi Arabian team, Al-Nassr, in January 2023 saw a substantial increase in his salary, nearing double to an estimated $75 million (£57 M).
However, Ronaldo’s off-field earnings significantly outshine his on-field income. The lifetime contract with Nike and profits from his CR7-branded merchandise contribute immensely to his off-field earnings.
How Forbes Calculates Athlete Earnings & Notable Mentions
Forbes derives athletes’ earnings from data sourced from industry insiders, news reports, and salary databases. The calculations include salaries, prize money, and bonuses for on-field earnings. For off-field earnings, Forbes estimates sponsorship deals, appearance fees, memorabilia, licensing income, and cash returns from businesses where the athlete holds a substantial stake. However, the calculation doesn’t include interest payments or dividends from investment income but factors in payouts from equity stakes the athletes sell.
Behind Ronaldo in the 2022-23 ranking were Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, securing second and third spots, respectively. Messi’s $130 million was equally split between on-field and off-field earnings, while Mbappé’s $120 million total was heavily weighted towards on-field earnings at $100 million.
In other sports, LeBron James, with $119 million ($44.5 M on-court earnings; $75 M off-court), set a record for the highest annual earnings for a basketball player in 2023. Boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez followed closely with $110 million ($100 M in-ring earnings; $10 M outside), setting a record for a boxer’s highest annual earnings in 2023.
Despite retirement in September 2022, tennis stars Roger Federer and Serena Williams secured the highest annual earnings for male and female tennis players, respectively. Federer, in ninth place overall, amassed $95.1 million, majorly off-court earnings. Serena, ranked 49th overall, garnered $45.3 million, with off-court earnings contributing the majority.
Additional news input was taken from Guinness World Records.
