The transfer to Arabia paid off. Ronaldo is back at the top of the list of the highest-paid football athletes

According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to claim the title of highest-paid athlete in the world after joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr and virtually doubling his playing wage.

Ronaldo, who left Manchester United last year and signed a contract with the Saudi club through 2025, received $136 million, with Forbes reporting that his annual playing wage increased to an estimated $75 million.

According to media estimates, Ronaldo’s contract is worth more than €200 million ($219.98 million).

Following PSG forward Messi, 35, who earned a total of $130 million, was clubmate and France captain Mbappe, 24, who earned $120 million to finish third.

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers ($119.5 million) and Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez ($110 million) completed the top five.

LIV Golf, a breakaway tour that has attracted some of the top players from the American PGA Tour with substantial sums of money, debuted last year as well. Two of its golfers place in the top 10.

Former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson (sixth with $107 million), who was joined by fellow LIV golfer Phil Mickelson (seventh with $106 million), saw the highest increase after making the contentious switch to LIV Golf.

The other two basketball players on the list are Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns ($89.1m) and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry of the Los Angeles Lakers ($100.4m).

The only retired player in the top 10 is former tennis great Roger Federer ($95.1 million).

In contrast to off-field earnings, which are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees, licensing income, and cash returns from businesses they own and control, Forbes said its on-field earnings numbers include all prize money, salary, and bonuses earned in the previous 12 months.

Forbes’ Top 10 wealthiest people in 2023
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million)
2. Lionel Messi ($130m)
3. Kylian Mbappe ($120m)
4. Lebron James ($119.5m)
5. Canelo Alvarez ($110 million)
6. Dustin Johnson ($107 million)
7. Philip Mickelson ($106 million)
8. Stephan Curry ($100.4m)
9. Roger Federer ($95,1 million)
10. Kevin Durant ($89.1 million)