In a world where sports and money often go hand in hand, one name continues to dominate both the pitch and the paycheck: Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese football legend has once again proven his star power, topping Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes in the world for 2024.
This marks the third consecutive year and fifth time overall that Ronaldo has secured the No. 1 spot — an incredible achievement that speaks volumes about his influence, brand, and performance on and off the field.
So how exactly did Ronaldo make a jaw-dropping $275 million in just one year? Let’s break it all down in this comprehensive analysis.
A Record-Breaking Year for Cristiano Ronaldo
According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo earned $275 million between May 2023 and May 2024. This makes him not only the highest-paid footballer but also the highest-paid athlete in the world for the year.
Here’s how his earnings are divided:
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On-field earnings (salaries and bonuses): $200 million
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Off-field earnings (endorsements, business ventures, social media): $75 million
On-Field Earnings: Al-Nassr Contract Pays Big
The bulk of Ronaldo’s income comes from his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, which he joined in December 2022. Reports suggest he earns around $200 million annually from his salary, performance bonuses, image rights, and ambassadorial roles linked to the Saudi Pro League and Vision 2030 campaign.
At 39, Ronaldo remains in top physical shape and continues to deliver exceptional performances, helping increase the global viewership and relevance of Saudi football.
Off-Field Power: The Ronaldo Brand
While his football career brings in massive income, Ronaldo’s off-field earnings are just as impressive. His global brand is one of the strongest in sports history. In 2024, he earned $75 million from off-field ventures, including:
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Endorsements with major companies like Nike, Clear Shampoo, Herbalife, Binance, and TAG Heuer.
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His own brands: CR7 fashion, CR7 underwear, CR7 fragrances, and CR7 gyms.
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A massive social media following — over 600 million followers on Instagram alone — allowing him to charge top dollar for sponsored posts and brand partnerships.
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Appearances, paid interviews, and investments in hospitality and tech.
In short, Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a footballer — he’s a global business empire.
The Full Forbes Top 5 Highest-Paid Athletes of 2024
Here’s a quick look at the top five earners according to the Forbes list released in May 2024:
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Total Earnings | On-Field | Off-Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football (Soccer) | $275 million | $200M | $75M |
| 2 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | $156 million | $52M | $104M |
| 3 | Tyson Fury | Boxing | $146 million | $110M | $36M |
| 4 | Dak Prescott | American Football | $137 million | $107M | $30M |
| 5 | Lionel Messi | Football (Soccer) | $135 million | $65M | $70M |
Where Is Lionel Messi?
Interestingly, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival and one of the greatest footballers ever, dropped from third place last year to fifth in 2024. Playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi earned $135 million this year.
Though his on-field earnings ($65 million) are significantly less than Ronaldo’s, Messi remains a commercial powerhouse, pulling in $70 million in endorsements from top brands like Adidas, Apple, Pepsi, and Gatorade.
Why This Ranking Matters
These rankings highlight the increasing role of global branding and social media in sports earnings. It’s no longer just about what happens on the pitch, court, or ring — it’s also about marketability, sponsorships, and personal brands.
For instance:
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Stephen Curry’s off-field earnings are higher than his on-field salary, proving how valuable his brand is to companies like Under Armour.
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Tyson Fury, a boxer, reached No. 3 due to a massive fight purse and media appearances.
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Dak Prescott, an NFL quarterback, earned more than Messi this year, showing how American football continues to dominate earnings in the U.S. market.
Final Thoughts: Ronaldo Still Reigns Supreme
Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance in the sports earnings world proves that age is just a number when your brand, performance, and influence are unmatched. At nearly 40, he’s still at the top of his game — financially, physically, and commercially.
As students, athletes, or fans, there’s a lot to learn from Ronaldo’s journey:
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Build a strong personal brand.
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Be consistent and strategic.
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Diversify your income streams.
Whether you love him or not, one thing is certain: Ronaldo’s success is no accident — it’s the result of relentless work, savvy business moves, and an unmatched ability to stay relevant year after year.
What Do You Think?
Do you think Ronaldo deserves the top spot again? Should Messi be higher up the list? Or are rising stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland ready to take over soon?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
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