Cristiano Ronaldo’s earnings tower over Lionel Messi’s
Dubai: At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t slowing down — on or off the pitch. The Portuguese superstar has agreed to extend his contract with Al Nassr for another year until June 2026, retaining his place as the world’s highest-paid athlete..World’s highest-paid athlete.Ronaldo remains in a league of his own when it comes to earnings. He is one of 12 sporting stars making over $100 million annually, with his total income — including salary, winnings, and endorsements — amounting to $260 million. That puts him well ahead of NBA star Stephen Curry ($153.8 million) and former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury ($147 million), according to data published by Sportico..Ronaldo’s longtime rival Lionel Messi ranks fourth on the list with $135 million. Other footballers in the top 10 include Brazilian Neymar, who recently returned to his home club Santos, as well as French stars Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe..Contract extension confirmed.An Al Nassr official confirmed to AFP this week that Ronaldo has reached an agreement to extend his contract by another year until June 2026..“The sides have agreed on the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, but it has not been signed yet. An announcement will be made over the coming days,” the official stated..Ronaldo, who turned 40 last week, was initially contracted until June 2025. Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star has scored 82 goals in 90 matches..Ronaldo’s future in football.In August, Ronaldo hinted that he would finish his professional career at Al Nassr, though the timeline remains uncertain..“It may be soon or in two or three years,” he said. “But it’ll most likely happen with Al Nassr, in the team that makes me happy… and where I feel good.”.His move to Riyadh in 2023, in a deal reportedly worth $250 million, was initially seen as an end-of-career payday. However, his presence has helped attract a wave of ageing superstars to the Saudi Pro League, boosting the league’s global profile..A legacy beyond the pitch.Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup in December has been seen as the culmination of its strategy to reshape its global image through sports, tourism, and culture — an effort in which Ronaldo has played a key role..When Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel in August, he gained one million subscribers in just 90 minutes and 20 million within 24 hours. He currently has 73.5 million..Records still to chase.Although World Cup glory has likely eluded him — unlike his Argentine counterpart Messi—Ronaldo continues to chase records. The five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner is closing in on 1,000 professional goals in official matches..Despite his impressive form, he has yet to win a Saudi or continental title with Al Nassr, with the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup remaining his only triumph with the club so far..For many, a move to Saudi Arabia might have seemed like the twilight of a legendary career. Instead, Ronaldo has turned it into yet another platform to break records, redefine expectations, and elevate the Saudi Pro League’s global profile. With his contract extended and more milestones within reach, he continues to prove that his story is far from over..— With inputs from AFP
Source: A.K.S. Satish