SAUDI ARABIA — Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon currently playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, has claimed the top spot in Forbes Magazine’s 2024 ranking of the world’s highest-paid footballers.

This marks the sixth time in the past decade that Ronaldo has led the prestigious list.

According to Forbes, Ronaldo is projected to earn an astounding USD220 million on the field this season. This figure includes performance incentives and additional financial benefits from commercial deals facilitated by his club. When combined with his off-field earnings, estimated at USD65 million, his total annual income reaches a record-breaking USD285 million. This surpasses the USD260 million he earned in 2023, setting a new benchmark in football earnings.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS), secured the second spot on the list. Messi is expected to earn USD135 million this year, with USD75 million coming from off-field endorsements.

While Messi boasts the highest off-field earnings in football, he once again trails Ronaldo, who opened the door for high-profile moves to Saudi clubs when he joined Al Nassr in January 2023.

Brazilian star Neymar, now playing for Saudi club Al Hilal, completes the top three with earnings of USD110 million, including USD80 million from his on-field performances.

Rounding out the top 10 are: 4. Karim Benzema (France, Al Ittihad) – USD104 million (USD100 million on-field, USD4 million off-field) 5. Kylian Mbappe (France, Real Madrid) – USD90 million (USD70 million on-field, USD20 million off-field) 6. Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City) – USD60 million (USD46 million on-field, USD14 million off-field) 7. Vinicius Jr. (Brazil, Real Madrid) – USD55 million (USD40 million on-field, USD15 million off-field) 8. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool) – USD53 million (USD35 million on-field, USD18 million off-field) 9. Sadio Mane (Senegal, Al Nassr) – USD52 million (USD48 million on-field, USD4 million off-field) 10. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City) – USD39 million (USD35 million on-field, USD4 million off-field)

With such substantial earnings, Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in world football is evident, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport.

(Source: TASS) ia/mnm