Cristiano Ronaldo joined Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods among the highest-paid athletes of all time as Lionel Messi failed to make it to the top five.
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Ronaldo bags top spot among footballersMessi not far behindJordan leads the list over WoodsWHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo emerged as the highest-paid footballer of all time with a staggering $1.92 billion (£1.49bn) in earnings throughout his career. His eternal rival, Messi, is a close second with $1.67bn (£1.30bn). David Beckham and Messi's employer stands third with a jaw-dropping figure of $1.5bn (£1.17bn), according to
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However, the standings go for a toss when athletes from other sports are taken into consideration. Basketball legend, Michael Jordan, takes the top spot with a whopping $3.75bn (£2.92bn) in earnings. Golf maestro Tiger Woods follow him in the second spot with an inflation-adjusted earning of $2.66bn (£2.07bn). Ronaldo, golfer Arnold Palmer ($1.76bn) and LeBron James ($1.7bn) make up the top five with 2022 World Cup winner, Messi, occupying the sixth spot.
Getty/GOALTHE TOP 10 LIST OF HIGHEST PAID ATHLETES OF ALL TIMERankAthleteInflation-Adjusted EarningsNon-Adjusted Earnings1Michael Jordan$3.75bn (£2.92bn)$2.75B (£2.14bn)2Tiger Woods$2.66bn (£2.07bn)$1.85B (£1.44bn)3Cristiano Ronaldo$1.92bn (£1.49bn)$1.57bn (1.22bn)4Arnold Palmer$1.76bn (£1.37bn)$1.36bn (£1.06bn)5LeBron James$1.7bn (£1.34bn)$1.36bn (£1.06bn)=6Jack Nicklaus$1.67bn (£1.30bn)$890m (£693m)=6Lionel Messi$1.67bn (£1.30bn)$1.36bn (£1.06bn)8David Beckham$1.5bn (£1.17bn)$1.13bn ($880m)9Roger Federer$1.49bn (£1.16bn)$1.17bn (£910m)10Floyd Mayweather$1.48bn (£1.15bn)$1.14bn ($890m)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Ronaldo will hope to prove he is worth the lucrative contract he signed with Al-Nassr by heloing them to Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League success this season. Meanwhile, Messi and his Inter Miami co-stars will aim to maintain their positive start to the MLS campaign and go on to claim more trophies with the Florida club.