Ronaldo sharpens record as highest-earning footballer

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 02:53, 17 Oct 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo has sharpened his own record: in 2024, the 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward was once again the highest-earning footballer in the world. This was announced by the American business magazine Forbes. The Portuguese superstar earned 285 million dollars, more than twice as much as the second-ranked Lionel Messi.

Every year, Forbes publishes its much-anticipated list of the highest-earning footballers in the world, and 2024 has revealed some notable shifts in the global football landscape.

One of the standout observations this year is the growing financial dominance of Saudi Arabia, a country that has made headlines with its massive investments in sports, particularly football. Four of the top ten earners in football now play in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the kingdom's ambitious efforts to elevate its football league and attract some of the world’s top talent.

Among these top earners is Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the undisputed leader when it comes to earnings. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr, secured the number one spot on the list for the sixth time in ten years. His earnings for 2024 reached an astonishing 285 million dollars, marking yet another career milestone. What’s particularly impressive about this figure is that it is not just derived from his playing contract with Al-Nassr. Around 65 million dollars of his total earnings came from endorsements, sponsorship deals, and other business ventures 'off the pitch.' Ronaldo’s global brand continues to grow, with major partnerships in sectors like fashion, fitness, and technology contributing to his extraordinary income.

Ronaldo's earnings in 2024 also set a new record, surpassing the 260 million dollars he earned in 2023. This record-breaking achievement highlights Ronaldo's sustained marketability and relevance, both as a footballer and as a global icon, even as he approaches his 40th birthday. His ability to maintain such high earnings is unparalleled in the world of sports, further cementing his legacy not just on the pitch but in the business world as well.

While Ronaldo leads the way, the other Saudi-based players in the top ten include Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mané. These star players have all made the move to the Saudi Pro League in the last few years, lured by the prospect of lucrative contracts that rival the best offers from European clubs. Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid, and Neymar, who signed with Al-Hilal, have both seen their earnings soar since relocating to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Sadio Mané, who now plays alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, has been handsomely rewarded for his decision to join the league. These moves highlight the growing trend of top players opting for the Saudi Pro League over Europe’s traditional football powerhouses.

However, Europe is not completely absent from the top ranks. The first player in the top ten who is still active in Europe is Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, earned 90 million dollars over the past year. While this amount may seem modest compared to Ronaldo’s earnings, Mbappé’s income still places him among the highest-paid athletes globally. Real Madrid, having recently secured Mbappé’s services after much speculation about his future, continues to invest heavily in its star players. Alongside Mbappé, Brazilian forward Vinicius Júnior is another key player for the Spanish giants, earning a substantial salary that reflects his importance to the team.

Real Madrid, Al-Nassr, and Manchester City are the clubs that feature most prominently in the list of the highest-earning footballers, demonstrating the financial power of these organizations. In addition to Ronaldo and Mané, Al-Nassr has poured significant resources into building a squad capable of competing with the best in the world. Manchester City, backed by the financial might of its owners, has similarly ensured that its top players are among the highest earners in football. The club pays both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne substantial wages, reflecting their pivotal roles in City’s continued success domestically and in Europe.

The financial landscape of football continues to evolve, with clubs and leagues outside of Europe increasingly able to compete for the sport’s top talent. Saudi Arabia’s rise as a financial powerhouse in football is one of the most striking developments in recent years, and its impact on the global game is undeniable. With players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema now plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League, the league has gained a level of international attention and credibility that was previously unimaginable.

While Europe, and particularly the Premier League, has traditionally been the destination for the world’s best players, the increasing financial strength of Saudi Arabian clubs could signal a shift in the balance of power in football. As clubs like Al-Nassr continue to offer contracts that are competitive with the biggest European teams, the trend of players moving to the Middle East for significant financial rewards could accelerate in the coming years.

For now, however, Ronaldo remains the king of football earnings, continuing to break records and redefine what is possible for a footballer both on and off the pitch. As he leads the financial charge in Saudi Arabia, other players are following suit, making this one of the most fascinating periods in the business of football. The question now is whether European clubs will continue to dominate football in terms of talent and success, or whether Saudi Arabia’s financial investments will reshape the football world in the years to come.