Cristiano Ronaldo awarded Guinness World Record of highest paid footballer

This was Ronaldo's 17th Guinness World record

Cristiano Ronaldo receives yet another Guinness World Record for highest annual earnings as an athlete.

The Portuguese superstar has overtaken Lionel Messi and set a new world record. For the third time, Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

In the 12 months leading up to 1 May 2023, the Al Nassr forward's estimated income is around $136 million.

Last year, his rival Messi was the highest earner with an estimated income of $130 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking income is comprised of $46 million in on-field earnings and $90 million in off-field earnings.

When Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League club, his salary was double what he received at Manchester United. It is estimated around $75 million.

However, his on-field earnings are dwarfed by his off-field earnings. In addition to his lifetime contract with Nike, Cristiano Ronaldo also makes money through his CR7-branded merchandise.

Forbes calculates athletes’ earnings based on data obtained from industry insiders, news reports and salary databases.

The on-field earnings figures include salaries, prize money and bonuses, whilst the off-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees, memorabilia and licensing income, plus cash returns from any businesses in which the athlete has a significant interest.

They do not include interest payments or dividends from investment income, but they do account for payouts from equity stakes which athletes have sold.

Rounding out the top three highest-paid athletes of 2022-23 are two other football/soccer players: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

Messi came in second with $130 million, split evenly between $65 million in on-field earnings and $65 million in off-field earnings.

In comparison, Mbappé’s on-field earnings of $100 million contribute heavily to his total of $120 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo has earned 16 other Guinness World Records. Most of these records are won for scoring goals. The veteran will look to add one or two more records before retiring from football.