Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo has maintained his position as the world's highest-paid athlete, topping Forbes' prestigious list for the third consecutive year with earnings of £206.6 million ($275 million) in 2024.

The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar saw his earnings increase by £11.2 million compared to 2023, further cementing his status as sports' biggest earner. His massive income is largely attributed to his reported £177 million annual salary at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, which he joined in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United.

NBA star Stephen Curry secured the second position with earnings of £117.1 million ($156 million), while British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury completed the top three with £109.5 million ($146 million).

Ronaldo's long-time rival Lionel Messi dropped from third place in 2023 to fifth in this year's rankings, with earnings of £101.3 million ($135 million).

Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2024

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £206.6m ($275m)
2. Stephen Curry – £117.1m ($156m)
3. Tyson Fury – £109.5m ($146m)
4. Dak Prescott – £102.8m ($137m)
5. Lionel Messi – £101.3m ($135m)
6. LeBron James – £100.4m ($133.8m)
7. Juan Soto – £85.5m ($114m)
8. Karim Benzema – £78m ($104m)
9. Shohei Ohtani – £76.9m ($102.5m)
10. Kevin Durant – £76.1m ($101.4m)

The list highlights the continued dominance of football (soccer) stars in global sports earnings, with three players—Ronaldo, Messi, and Benzema—featuring in the top 10. However, American sports are well represented with NBA players accounting for three spots and MLB stars taking two positions.

Ronaldo's sustained financial success comes despite his move away from European football to the Saudi Pro League, demonstrating his enduring global appeal and commercial value even as he approaches the latter stages of his illustrious career.