Ronaldo tops Messi in Guinness World Records

 Ronaldo tops Messi in Guinness World Records

Ronaldo tops Messi in Guinness World Records(Image-Getty)

In 2017, for the first time, Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes' list of the highest-earning athletes. He earned a total of 136 million dollars in a year until May 1st. This figure of his earnings has also secured him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Ronaldo is now listed as the highest-earning athlete in 2023 by both Forbes and Guinness World Records. This is his 17th Guinness World Record.

In May of this year, Forbes published the names of the highest-earning athletes in the world, and Ronaldo surpassed everyone to claim the top spot. In one year, Ronaldo earned 46 million dollars on the field, while Al-Nasr's star, Al Nassr, earned 90 million dollars off the field, making him the highest-earning athlete for nearly six years. This event also marked Ronaldo's third appearance as the top earner in the list, and he has now achieved another Guinness World Records recognition.

In his quest for this new Guinness World Record, Ronaldo has surpassed Lionel Messi. In 2022, Messi earned the highest income among athletes, amounting to 130 million dollars, which earned him a place in the Guinness World Records at that time. However, Messi could not maintain his position as the top earner for more than a year, even with his World Cup victory.

Ronaldo's decision to leave Manchester United has played a significant role in his rise to the top. In January 2023, Ronaldo joined Saudi club Al-Nassr for nearly double the salary. In addition to the contract with Nike, he also earns a substantial amount from his own brand, CR7. On the field, Ronaldo earned 45 million dollars, mainly from his salary, prize money, and bonuses. Off the field, his earnings come from sponsorship deals and various endorsements.

Apart from Ronaldo, the other two footballers who made it to the top ten highest earners are Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Both of them are ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively. In one year, Messi earned 130 million dollars, with 60 million dollars coming from on-field earnings and the rest from off-field sources. On the other hand, Mbappé earned 120 million dollars, with 100 million dollars coming from his on-field earnings.

LeBron James, the basketball star who previously held the second position, now occupies the fourth spot with earnings of 119 million dollars. Additionally, last year's retirees, tennis stars Roger Federer and Serena Williams, have also secured their positions in Forbes' list. Federer stands at number 9 with earnings of 95.1 million dollars, while Serena Williams is at number 49 with earnings of 43.53 million dollars.