Photos: Ronaldo tops Forbes' highest-paid athletes list in 2023

Forbes said figures include prize money, salaries, bonuses earned in the last 12 months

Published: May 03, 2023 11:08 Reuters

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Cristiano Ronaldo became the world's highest-paid athlete after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr nearly doubled his annual playing salary while Paris St Germain duo Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe round off the top three, according to Forbes. Image Credit: Reuters

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Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi soccer club on a deal until 2025 after leaving Manchester United last year, earned $136 million with Forbes saying his annual playing salary went up to an estimated $75 million. Ronaldo's contract has been estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($219.98 million). Image Credit: AFP

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PSG forward Messi, 35, was next on the list after bringing home a combined $130 million. Image Credit: Reuters

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Club team mate and France captain Mbappe -- the youngest on the list at 24 -- earned $120 million to sit third. Image Credit: AFP

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Los Angeles Lakers player and NBA great LeBron James ($119.5 million) on fourth place. Image Credit: AFP

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Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez ($110 million) rounded out the top five. Image Credit: AP

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Former world number one Dustin Johnson (sixth with $107 million) made the biggest gain after making the switch to LIV Golf. Image Credit: Supplied

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Fellow LIV golfer Phil Mickelson is on seventh with $106 million. Image Credit: AFP

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Four-times NBA champion Stephen Curry eighth with $100.4 million. Image Credit: AP

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Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant is ninth with $89.1 million. Image Credit: Reuters

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Former tennis ace Roger Federer ($95.1 million) is the only retired player in the top 10. Forbes said its on-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned in the last 12 months while off-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees, licensing income and cash returns from businesses they operate. Image Credit: Reuters

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Photos: Ronaldo tops Forbes' highest-paid athletes list in 2023

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Photos: Ronaldo tops Forbes' highest-paid athletes list in 2023

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