Cristiano Ronaldo Surpasses Messi as the highest paid athlete

The list of the highest-paid athletes is out, and for the fourth time in a row, Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is at the top, according to Forbes.

Right behind Ronaldo is the famous Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, who moved to LIV Golf and landed the second spot.

This year, the 39-year-old Al Nassr player topped the list with around $260 million. His switch from Manchester United to the Saudi Pro League last year boosted his earnings to an all-time high for a footballer.

ESPN reported that Ronaldo earned $200 million from football and an additional $60 million from brand deals. Despite approaching his 40s, Ronaldo said he plans to keep playing “at a high level.”

Jon Rahm joined LIV Golf last year and scored big, earning at least $300 million from the transfer. This massive amount made headlines as the two-time major winner joined Ronaldo in the top earnings.

In third place is eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, who signed with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami FC in a deal worth $135 million. The 36-year-old Argentine made $65 million on the field and another $70 million from endorsements.

Other top earners include Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in fourth with $128.2 million, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in fifth with $111 million, and French captain Kylian Mbappé in sixth with $110 million.