Ronaldo has established himself as the top-earning footballer in history, amassing an impressive $1.92 ƅιllion (£1.49bn) in career earnings. His perennial rival, Messi, closely follows with $1.67 ƅιllion  (£1.30bn). Notably, David Beckham and Messi’s club employer claim the third position, boasting a remarkable figure of $1.5 ƅιllion (£1.17bn), as reported by Sportico.

Nevertheless, the rankings undergo a shift when athletes from various sports are included. Basketball icon Michael Jordan claims the leading position with an impressive $3.75 ƅιllion (£2.92bn) in earnings. Following closely is golf maestro, Tiger Woods, securing the second spot with an inflation-adjusted income of $2.66 ƅιllion (£2.07bn). Ronaldo, along with golfer Arnold Palmer ($1.76 ƅιllion ) and LeBron James ($1.7 ƅιllion ), completes the top five, while the 2022 World Cup victor, Messi, holds the sixth position.

THE TOP 10 LIST OF HIGHEST-PAID ATHLETES OF ALL TIME