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'Only because Messi refused Saudi money' - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo overtakes Lionel Messi to set new world record

Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Lionel Messi to become the world's highest paid athletes, setting a new world record.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo (Source: Twitter)

Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo (Source: Twitter)

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid sportsmen and set a Guinness World Record for an athlete's highest yearly earnings in 2023. The Portugal superstar's latest record-breaking feat comes after his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. This is Ronaldo's first top rank on this list since 2017, and his third overall.

Ronaldo, who joined the Riyadh-based club on a contract through 2025 after leaving Manchester United, is said to have earned $136 million. The Al-Nassr striker has surpassed former PSG forward Lionel Messi, who was the highest-paid athlete in 2022 with estimated earnings of $130 million (£103 M).

The Portugal captain's revenue is comprised of $46 million (£35 M) in on-field earnings and $90 million (£68.5 M) in off-field earnings. According to Forbes, his annual playing wage almost doubled when he moved to Al-Nassr for a whopping deal of more than 200 million euros ($220m). However, a large portion of his income comes from his sponsorship deal with Nike and his CR7-branded merchandise.

Lionel Messi moves to second place, followed by his PSG teammate in third

Argentina skipper Messi now ranks second with $130 million in earnings ($65 million in on-field earnings and $65 million in off-field earnings). Frenchman Kylian Mbappé joins the top 3 highest-paid athletes, with on-field earnings of $100 million contributing significantly to his total of $120 million.

LeBron James set a record for the highest annual earnings for a basketball player in 2023 with $119 million ($44.5 M on-court earnings; $75 M off-court). On the other hand, fifth-ranked Canelo Alvarez became the highest-paid boxer in 2023 with $110 million ($100 M in-ring earnings; $10 M outside).

Despite retiring in 2022, Roger Federer and Serena Williams are the highest-paid tennis players in the male and female categories in 2023. Federer is ninth in the overall list with $95.1 million in earnings - almost entirely comprised of $95 million in off-court earnings. Serena, who is ranked 49th overall, has earned a total of $45.3 million ($45 million in off-court earnings and $300,000 on-court).

Forbes uses data gathered from industry insiders, new reports, and salary databases to determine the athletes' earnings.

Here's how fans reacted: 

 

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