According to Forbes, these are the best paid footballers in the world

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has solidified his position as the world's highest-paid athlete, according to the latest Forbes list. The Al-Nassr forward has maintained his dominance in the earnings rankings, outpacing long-time rival Lionel Messi.

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Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia in early 2023 proved to be a lucrative one. His contract with Al-Nassr, coupled with his extensive endorsement deals, catapulted him to the top of the list with a staggering annual income of $285 million.

Following closely behind Ronaldo is Lionel Messi. The Argentine legend, who made a high-profile move to Inter Miami, secured the second spot on the list with earnings of $135 million. Messi's income is primarily driven by his on-field salary and a multitude of lucrative off-field endorsements.

Rounding out the top five are:

• Neymar: The Brazilian superstar, who joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, secured the third spot with earnings of $110 million.
• Karim Benzema: The Real Madrid striker claimed the fourth position with a total income of $96 million.
• Kylian Mbappé: The young French sensation, who has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, rounded out the top five with earnings of $83 million.

Key takeaways from the Forbes list:

• Middle East dominance: The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a major player in the global football market, attracting top talent with lucrative contracts. Ronaldo and Neymar's moves to the Middle East have significantly boosted the league's profile.
• Endorsers' goldmine: Off-field earnings continue to be a major factor in determining a player's overall income. Both Ronaldo and Messi have extensive endorsement portfolios that contribute significantly to their wealth.
• Youth vs. experience: The list showcases a mix of veteran players like Ronaldo and Messi, as well as younger stars like Mbappé and Haaland. This highlights the enduring appeal of established stars and the rising prominence of the next generation.

As the global football landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these rankings shift in the coming years. With new leagues emerging and player salaries continuing to rise, the competition for the top spot is likely to intensify.