Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world’s highest-earning athlete in 2024, ranking ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi, according to figures published by The Sun citing data from bestbettingsitesoffers.co.uk.
Ronaldo, 40, reportedly earned a staggering £192.40 million (\$260m) over the past year — almost double Messi’s income of £99.90m (\$135m).
The two football icons also ranked above NBA giants LeBron James and Steph Curry, underscoring their enduring dominance in global sports both on and off the pitch.
While Messi’s earnings remain impressive, analysts note that Ronaldo’s lucrative contracts, endorsements, and off-field ventures have widened the financial gap between the pair.
The top ten list of highest-paid athletes in 2024 reflects the growing influence of football and basketball stars in the global sports economy, with sponsorships, media rights, and commercial deals contributing heavily to their fortunes.
