Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has replaced Lionel Messi as the highest-paid football player in the world, with Gareth Bale still among the top earners.
Ronaldo, 36, returned to United from Juventus in August after a 12-year absence, while Messi has switched from Barcelona to PSG.
Only three other active athletes make more than Ronaldo commercially, per Forbes: tennis star Roger Federer ($90 million), Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James ($65 million) and golf icon Tiger Woods ($60 million).
According to Forbes, Ronaldo, one of the world’s most popular and highest paid football player with over 500 million Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter followers, would earn $125 million before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70 million coming from United’s salary and bonuses.
The rest of his income will come from endorsements and agreements with companies like Nike, Herbalife, Clear, and his own CR7 brand.
Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Football’s First Billionaire
Messi, who led the list last year, will earn $75 million in salary plus $35 million in sponsorships, for total estimated earnings of $110 million.
With total earnings of $95 million, the Argentine’s strike partner at Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Neymar, who signed a new contract until 2025 in May, is third on the list.
PSG’s Kylian Mbappe ($43 million) is ranked fourth on Forbes’ list, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah ($41 million) is ranked fifth.
Top 10 highest-paid football players:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal-Manchester United) $125 million
Lionel Messi (Argentina-PSG) $110 million
Neymar (Brazil-PSG) $95 million
Kylian Mbappe (France-PSG) $43 million
Mohamed Salah (Egypt-Liverpool) $41 million
Robert Lewandowski (Polish-Bayern Munich) $35 million
Andres Iniesta (Spain- Vissel Kobe) $35 million
Paul Pogba (France-Manchester United) $34 million
Gareth Bale (Wales-Real Madrid) $32 million
Eden Hazard (Belgium-Real Madrid) $29 million
