Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rank among highest-paid athletes in history

‎Sporting legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have secured their places among the highest-paid athletes of all time, according to a new list released by Sportico. The ranking, which combines career earnings from salaries and endorsements—but excludes investments—places Ronaldo at No. 3 and Messi at No. 5 on the all-time list.

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‎Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

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‎Al-Nassr FC forward Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed an estimated $1.92 billion throughout his career, landing just behind Tiger Woods ($2.79 billion) and all-time leader Michael Jordan, whose earnings tower at an unmatched $4.15 billion. Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi has reportedly earned $1.49 billion, placing him fifth overall, just behind NBA superstar LeBron James at $1.88 billion.

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‎Top 5 Highest-Paid Athletes of All Time (per Sportico):

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‎1. Michael Jordan (Basketball) – $4.15 billion

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‎2. Tiger Woods (Golf) – $2.79 billion

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‎3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer) – $1.92 billion

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‎4. LeBron James (Basketball) – $1.88 billion

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‎5. Lionel Messi (Soccer) – $1.49 billion

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‎The list highlights the vast earning power of global icons, yet also underscores the disparity among sports. While basketball leads with 13 athletes in the top 50, only four footballers (soccer players) made the cut—Ronaldo, Messi, David Beckham, and Neymar Jr. Beckham, who ranks eighth, could potentially have landed higher had his ownership stake in MLS side Inter Miami—valued at $1.19 billion—been included in the calculation.

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‎Despite soccer’s limited overall presence, its top names remain financial juggernauts. Both Ronaldo and Messi are reportedly in talks for new contracts with their respective clubs, suggesting their positions on the earnings leaderboard are likely to climb in the coming years.

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‎The Sportico list reaffirms the enduring marketability and global reach of Ronaldo and Messi—two players whose legacies continue to transcend the pitch.