Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has been ranked as both the highest paid footballer and athlete of any sport, earning a staggering Ksh 38.4bn in total earnings, according to Forbes‘ 2023 football rich list.
Ronaldo’s estimated total net earnings of $260m(Ksh38.4bn), puts him ahead of Inter Miami‘s Lionel Messi and French forward Kylian Mbappe, who dropped to fourth in the list.
In the realm of football, the big names have been raking in astonishing earnings, shattering records year after year.
Breaking all records, the 2023 season has set a new bar, eclipsing last year’s total earnings.
The top eleven players are projected to pocket a jaw-dropping $995 million (Ksh147bn) before deductions and agents’ fees.
This is a 53% increase over the previous year’s list, where ten players collectively earned an estimated $652 million (Ksh96.3bn).
Moreover, the Saudi Pro League remains the answer to this financial frenzy puzzle through its dominance of the football world in the past season with lucrative deals that have left the football world spellbound.
Ten Most Prosperous Players of the Year
Cristiano Ronaldo ($260m/Ksh38.4bn)
Ronaldo’s earnings boast a mix of on-field pay and commercial bonuses, cementing his status as a prolific forward.
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The Al Nassr forward is reported to earn a staggering $200 million (Ksh29.5bn) in on field wages in Saudi Arabia.
His off-field earnings on the other hand, are valued at around $60 million (Ksh8.8bn) through endorsements and partnerships with brands such as Jacob & Co and Nike.
His charm extends to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he has featured in promotional videos for his club Al Nassr.
Lionel Messi($135m/Ksh19.9bn)
Messi’s wallet gets bulkier thanks to deals with Apple and Adidas earning him an estimated off-field revenue of $70 million (Ksh10.3bn).
The 36-year-old tops the list of off-field earnings.
Moreover, his $65million (Ksh9.6bn) in on-field earnings puts him second on the overall list.
His contract with Inter Miami includes a share of revenue from league partners, Apple TV, and an option to own a stake in the club in the future.
Messi’s arrival in the MLS has caused a frenzy, spiking ticket demand and revenue across the league.
Neymar Jr ($112m/Ksh 16.5bn)
Former Paris St Germain forward Neymar Jr makes up the top three after his move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 31-year-old Al-Hilal forward boasts a $80 million (Ksh11.8bn) in on-field plus $32 million (Ksh4.7 bn) in off-field.
Neymar’s lightning speed on the field is matched only by his endorsement deals, including brands such as Puma, Konami, and Red Bull.
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Kylian Mbappe ($110m/Ksh16.2bn)
Falling to fourth after leading the pack last year, the French forward tops the list of Europe-based players.
Mbappe’s on-field earnings are valued at $90 million (Ksh13.3 bn), with an additional $20 million (Ksh2.9bn) in off-field earnings.
Karim Benzema ($106m/Ksh15.6bn)
Karim Benzema closes the list of the top five with an estimated $100 million in on-field earnings, and $6 million in off-field earnings.
Erling Haaland ($58m/Ksh 8.5bn)
Last season’s Premier league top scorer falls sixth in the list, and number one for the highest paid Premier League player.
The 23-year-old is reported to earn an on-field wage of $46 million at Manchester City, boosted by $12 million in off-field earnings.
Mohamed Salah ($53m/Ksh7.8bn)
Almost making history with a colossal $190 million transfer to the Saudi Pro League, the Liverpool star, and former African Footballer of the year off-field earnings stand at $18 million.
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His on-field earnings on the other hand, amounted to $35 million, making him the second most paid Premier League player.
Sadio Mané ($52m/Ksh7.6bn)
Mane’s on field $48 million and $4 million off-field earnings ranks him as the fourth Saudi-based player on the top-ten list after making his move from Liverpool.
Kevin De Bruyne ($39m/Ksh5.7bn)
The English Premier League has three players on the list with De Bruyne earning $35 million in on-field and $4 million in off-field at Manchester City.
Harry Kane ($36m/Ksh5.3bn)
Closing the list is the England captain, whose move to Bayern Munich from Tottenham saw him generate $26m in on-field earnings, and an additional $10m in off-field earnings at the German club.
