Ronaldo earns almost twice as much as Messi.

According to Forbes magazine, Cristiano Ronaldo earned more money in the 2022-2023 fiscal year than Lionel Messi and Neymar combined.

On October 14th, Forbes magazine published its list of the highest-earning football players in the past 12 months. Ronaldo topped the list with $260 million, including $200 million in salary and bonuses from his club and $60 million in off-field income. Ronaldo has been playing for Al Nassr since January 2023, after terminating his contract with Manchester United in November 2022.

Messi ranked second, but with $135 million – almost half of Ronaldo's earnings. The striker, who recently joined Inter Miami, is the first MLS player to be in the Top 10 since David Beckham in 2012.

Messi and Ronaldo during a friendly match between PSG and Al Nassr in January 2023. Photo: Rex — Messi and Ronaldo during a friendly match between PSG and Al Nassr in January 2023. Photo: *Rex*

Neymar ranks third with $112 million. Neymar and Messi's combined earnings are still about $13 million less than Ronaldo's. According to Goal , the Brazilian striker also earns up to $200 million at his new club, Al Hilal. However, due to his recent joining, a portion of this will be included in the next fiscal year.

The Saudi Pro League clearly demonstrates its influence, with four players making it into the Top 11: Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane. Their combined earnings account for more than half of the total earnings of the 11 players named on Forbes ' list.

Kylian Mbappe ranks fourth with $110 million. The French striker is the highest-earning player currently playing in Europe. Benzema ranks fifth with $106 million, but earns almost double that of sixth-placed Erling Haaland, who earns $58 million at Man City.

According to Forbes , the figures include salaries, bonuses at the club, and off-field income, including sponsorship deals, appearance fees, brand earnings, and profits from businesses owned by the player.

The top 11 highest-earning football players in the last 12 months: 1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million), 2. Lionel Messi ($135 million), 3. Neymar ($112 million), 4. Kylian Mbappe ($110 million), 5. Karim Benzema ($106 million), 6. Erling Haaland ($58 million), 7. Mohamed Salah ($53 million), 8. Sadio Mane ($52 million), 9. Kevin De Bruyne ($39 million), 10. Harry Kane ($36 million), 11. Robert Lewandowski ($34 million).

Thanh Quy (according to Forbes )

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