Ronaldo, who Forbes also ranks as the highest-paid athlete of any sport, topped the list with expected total earnings of $260 million. Lionel Messi was ranked second on the list with expected total earnings of $135m, boosted by his move to MLS club Inter Miami. Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in January. FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty ImagesThe influence of the Saudi Pro League is clearly seen in Forbes' list with four players (Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané) in the top 11 earners worldwide. According to Forbes, the four Saudi Pro League players' combined income counts for more than half of the $995m collectively earned by all 11 players on the rich list.

Source: Forbes October 14, 2023 14:07 UTC