Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid athlete of 2024, earning a staggering $275 million over the past year — a figure that ranks as the third-highest single-year total in the history of Forbes’ annual rich list.

The 39-year-old Portuguese superstar continues to dominate on and off the pitch, with $225 million coming from his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and an additional $50 million from endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures.

No Competition in Sight

Ronaldo’s earnings eclipsed those of every other athlete by a huge margin. LeBron James finished second on the list with a total of $113 million — less than half of Ronaldo’s haul.

This commanding lead reaffirms Ronaldo’s status not just as one of football’s enduring icons, but as a global marketing phenomenon whose brand power continues to soar even at the age of 40.

Rich List Inflation Hits New High

The lower boundary of Forbes’ top 50 richest athletes also highlights the rising financial tide in elite sports. In 2024, the 50th spot required $53.6 million in annual earnings — a figure that would’ve ranked sixth back in 2017.