The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes

Cristiano Ronaldo

In February 2021, Ronaldo became the first person in the world to reach 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. As of October 2024, he had 923 million.

In March 2021, he passed Brazilian legend Pele's goal tally; a hat trick against Serie A foe Cagliari pushed him up to 770 goals in all competitions.

He switched teams in August 2021, moving from Juventus to Manchester United, where he previously played from 2003 to 2009. He then jumped to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in December 2022.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, in 2020 became the first active team-sport athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings.

In addition to a lifetime deal with Nike, Ronaldo makes money off the pitch with his CR7-branded clothing, accessories, hotels and gyms.