Once again, Cristiano Ronaldo proves that he continues to be one of the most powerful and influential figures in world sport. Forbes magazine’s most recent ranking of the highest-earning athletes on the planet places the Portuguese striker in first position, with estimated earnings of US$300 million over the last twelve months.
The Portuguese star not only leads the list with a wide lead over his competitors, but also adds his fourth consecutive year at the top of the ranking and the sixth in his entire career, a mark that equals him with basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Much of Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive income comes from his contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Since his arrival in Arabian soccer, the Portuguese has considerably increased his economic power, to the extent that Forbes estimates that he receives around 235 million dollars a year in salary alone.
His impact transcends the courts. In addition to his sporting performance, Ronaldo continues to be one of the most attractive personalities for sponsors, international brands and advertising campaigns, which further strengthens his financial position.
Canelo and Messi complete the podium
Behind the Portuguese fighter is Mexican boxer Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarezwho is in second place with revenues close to 170 million dollars. The tapatío has consolidated his position as one of the most profitable athletes in the world thanks to his million-dollar purse per fight and several commercial agreements.
In third position is Lionel Messiwith estimated earnings of 140 million dollars. The world champion continues to be a global reference both on and off the field. According to the report, his income is divided almost equally between his sporting activity and the advertising contracts he has with various international brands.
The ranking also reflects the enormous economic potential of other sports beyond soccer and boxing.
Among the prominent names are Shohei OhtaniMajor League Baseball star, who accumulated revenues of US$127.6 million. Although his sports earnings are significant, most of his recent fortune comes from business deals with companies in Japan and the West.
Ohtani has become a global marketing machine thanks to collaborations with brands such as New Balance, Hugo Boss, Fanatics, FamilyMart, Ito En and Seiko. In fact, her revenues outside the sport reached $125 million, a figure that very few athletes have ever achieved in history.
For his part, Lewis Hamiltonnow a member of Scuderia Ferrariclosed the ranking with 100 million dollars, surpassing even his own financial records registered in previous seasons.
Saudi influence continues to grow
One aspect that stands out in this edition of the ranking is the growing presence of Saudi Arabia in the sports economy.
In addition to Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, Buzzy also includes agreements related to Karim BenzemaCanelo Álvarez’s commercial agreements linked to Riyadh Season and the million-dollar profits obtained by Jon Rahm in LIV Golf, a circuit backed by Saudi capital.
Although there have been recent reports of adjustments in the financing of some sports projects in the country, Saudi economic influence continues to be one of the most important factors in the financial transformation of professional sports.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
