Cristiano Ronaldo is set to take over the throne from Leo Messi as the highest-paid football player in the world, according to Forbes.
Following his move back to ‘Old Trafford’, the Portuguese superstar will earn $125 million before taxes this season — with $70 million coming from his salary and bonuses alone.
Only three other active athletes earn more than Ronaldo commercially, Roger Federer, LeBron James and Tiger Woods.
Meanwhile, Messi in PSG is set to earn $110 million in the 2021-22 season, making him the second-highest earner in the game.
The Argentinian joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona this summer and is anticipated to earn more than Ronaldo in salary — $75 million.
On the other hand, Ronaldo, who is the most popular athlete on social media with more than 500 million followers across the networks, according to Forbes brings in $55 million in endorsements compared to Messi’s $35 million.
Third and fourth on the list are Messi’s PSG teammates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, with expected salaries to earn $95 million and $43 million respectively.
Neymar, who recently signed a four-year extension, is expected to earn more than Ronaldo in terms of club salary with $75 million but is much behind when it comes to endorsements, bringing in $20 million.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah rounds up the top five with his expected salary of $41 million this season.
PSG owns three of the top highest-paid players in the world hoping to win their first Champions League title this season.
Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski, ex-Barcelona star Andres Iniesta who currently plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan, Paul Pogba from Manchester United, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard from Real Madrid round up the top 10.