Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2023, according to Forbes, marking his third time topping the list and earning him a Guinness World Records title for the highest annual earnings. In the period leading up to May 1, 2023, Ronaldo is estimated to have earned $136 million, surpassing Lionel Messi, who held the title in 2022 with $130 million.
Ronaldo’s record-breaking income consists of $46 million in on-field earnings and an impressive $90 million in off-field earnings. After leaving Manchester United for Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo signed a lucrative contract that nearly doubled his salary to around $75 million. However, it is his off-field earnings that significantly contribute to his overall income, thanks to his long-term partnership with Nike and the success of his CR7-branded merchandise.
Forbes determines athletes’ earnings based on data from industry insiders, news reports, and salary databases. On-field earnings include salaries, prize money, and bonuses, while off-field earnings encompass sponsorship deals, appearance fees, memorabilia and licensing income, and returns from business ventures. Interest payments, dividends, and investment income are not factored in, but proceeds from sold equity stakes are considered.
Lionel Messi secured the second spot on the list with $130 million, evenly divided between on-field and off-field earnings. Kylian Mbappé follows closely in third place with a total income of $120 million, with on-field earnings accounting for a significant portion.
LeBron James claimed fourth place with a total of $119 million, setting a record for the highest annual earnings by a basketball player in 2023. Canelo Alvarez, ranking fifth, achieved the highest annual earnings for a boxer in 2023, accumulating $110 million.
Despite retiring in September 2022, Roger Federer and Serena Williams topped the charts for male and female tennis players’ annual earnings in 2023, respectively. Federer, placed ninth overall, earned $95.1 million, primarily through off-court earnings. Serena, in 49th place, earned a total of $45.3 million, with the majority coming from off-court endeavors.
