GFX Cristiano Ronaldo Michael Jordan Lionel MessiGetty/GOAL
Soham Mukherjee

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

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods among the highest-paid athletes of all time as Lionel Messi failed to make it to the top five.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Ronaldo bags top spot among footballers
  • Messi not far behind
  • Jordan leads the list over Woods

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    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.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    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.

  • Lionel Messi und Michael JordanGetty/GOAL

    THE TOP 10 LIST OF HIGHEST PAID ATHLETES OF ALL TIME

    RankAthleteInflation-Adjusted EarningsNon-Adjusted Earnings
    1Michael Jordan$3.75bn (£2.92bn)$2.75B (£2.14bn)
    2Tiger Woods$2.66bn (£2.07bn)$1.85B (£1.44bn)
    3Cristiano Ronaldo$1.92bn (£1.49bn)$1.57bn (1.22bn)
    4Arnold Palmer$1.76bn (£1.37bn)$1.36bn (£1.06bn)
    5LeBron James$1.7bn (£1.34bn)$1.36bn (£1.06bn)
    =6Jack Nicklaus$1.67bn (£1.30bn)$890m (£693m)
    =6Lionel Messi$1.67bn (£1.30bn)$1.36bn (£1.06bn)
    8David Beckham$1.5bn (£1.17bn)$1.13bn ($880m)
    9Roger Federer$1.49bn (£1.16bn)$1.17bn (£910m)
    10Floyd Mayweather$1.48bn (£1.15bn)$1.14bn ($890m)

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  • Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr 2023-24Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT?

    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.

Saudi Pro League
Al Najma crest
Al Najma
ANA
Al Nassr FC crest
Al Nassr FC
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