Forbes has released its 2023 list of the world's highest-paid athletes. Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with an estimated total income of US$136 million, or Rp2 trillion (at an exchange rate of Rp14,742/US$).
Specifically, CR7 earned US$46 million on the field, including prize money, salary, and bonuses. His off-field income, from sponsorships and endorsements, reached US$90 million.
Forbes stated that the estimated income data for these athletes was collected between May 1, 2022, and May 1, 2023.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr FC from Manchester United made him the highest-paid athlete this year.
"The salary increase propelled him to the top of the athlete earnings list for the first time since 2017, and the third time overall, while setting an all-time high for a football player," Forbes reported on Thursday, May 2, 2023.
Forbes noted that brands are drawn to Ronaldo due to his massive fan base of 850 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—more than any other athlete in the world.
"Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange, is one of the latest additions to his sponsor stable, helping to boost his off-field total to around US$90 million over the past 12 months," Forbes stated.
Lionel Messi ranks second with a total income of US$130 million. His PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappé, follows with US$120 million.
NBA basketball player LeBron James is fourth with US$119.5 million, followed by Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez in fifth place with US$110 million.
Here is the complete list of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2023, according to Forbes:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: US$136 million
2. Lionel Messi: US$130 million
3. Kylian Mbappé: US$120 million
4. LeBron James: US$119.5 million
5. Canelo Álvarez: US$110 million
6. Dustin Johnson: US$107 million
7. Phil Mickelson: US$106 million
8. Stephen Curry: US$100.4 million
9. Roger Federer: US$95.1 million
10. Kevin Durant: US$89.1 million