Ronaldo beats Messi as highest-paid footballer 2021, see Forbes list of top 10 earners
According to the latest Forbes report, Manchester United superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi as the Highest Paid Footballers 2021.
The Forbes report reveals that Ronaldo’s transfer to Man United has made him the highest-paid footballer in the world, overtaking rival, Messi as the Highest Paid Footballer 2021.
The Portugal-born captain will earn almost €107 million gross, including a salary of close to €60 million and more than €40 million in earnings from sponsorships and partnerships with brands including Nike, Herbalife and the CR7 brand. This brand is made up of perfumes, clothing ranges, hotels and gyms this season, making him the Highest Paid Footballer in 2021.
In the world, only three athletes, Tennis legend Roger Federer (approximately €77 million), basketball star LeBron James (€55.5 million) and golfer Tiger Woods (€51 million) have more commercial earnings than Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s latest earnings have seen him overtake Messi, whose move to PSG from Barcelona, will see him earn around €94 million gross, with a salary of €64 million, but with lower commercial earnings.
Messi is sponsored by brands such as Adidas, Pepsi and Budweiser.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar is third-highest earner behind Ronaldo and Messi.
The Brazilian-born star earns €81 million, despite having the same salary as his team-mate, Messi.
There’s been a long time silent battle between Ronaldo and Messi on who can be described as the greatest footballer of all time, GOAT.
It seems this year’s rating from Forbes will put to rest that contest. Its now obvious that Ronaldo tops the chart as the Highest-paid footballer of the year both in earnings and commercial value.
Below is Forbes’ top10 Highest Paid Footballers 2021
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £91.5m ($125m)
2. Lionel Messi – £80.5m ($110m)
3. Neymar – £69.5m ($95m)
4. Kylian Mbappe – £31.5m ($43m)
5. Mohamed Salah – £30m ($41m)
6. Robert Lewandowski – £26m ($35m)
7. Andres Iniesta – £26m ($35m)
8. Paul Pogba – £25m ($34m)
9. Gareth Bale – £23.5m ($32m)
10. Eden Hazard – £21m ($29m).
