Cristiano Ronaldo joins NBA icon Michael Jordan & golf legend Tiger Woods among highest-paid athletes of all time - as Lionel Messi fails to reach the top five

Ronaldo emerged as the highest-paid footballer of all time with a staggering $1.92 billion (£1.49bn) in earnings throughout his career. His eternal rival, Messi, is a close second with $1.67bn (£1.30bn). David Beckham and Messi's employer stands third with a jaw-dropping figure of $1.5bn (£1.17bn), according to Sportico.

However, the standings go for a toss when athletes from other sports are taken into consideration. Basketball legend, Michael Jordan, takes the top spot with a whopping $3.75bn (£2.92bn) in earnings. Golf maestro Tiger Woods follow him in the second spot with an inflation-adjusted earning of $2.66bn (£2.07bn). Ronaldo, golfer Arnold Palmer ($1.76bn) and LeBron James ($1.7bn) make up the top five with 2022 World Cup winner, Messi, occupying the sixth spot.

Ronaldo will hope to prove he is worth the lucrative contract he signed with Al-Nassr by heloing them to Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League success this season. Meanwhile, Messi and his Inter Miami co-stars will aim to maintain their positive start to the MLS campaign and go on to claim more trophies with the Florida club.