Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still ruling the football world, not just by how they play but also how much money they’re making. In 2024, Ronaldo is at the top of the highest-paid athletes list while Messi is also up there making tons of money too. The amount they earn shows how big they still are in the sport.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in 2024 making $260 million.
- Lionel Messi is number four earning $135 million this year.
- Both players are still doing really good in their leagues.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Financial and Athletic Success
Cristiano Ronaldo is still making big news in 2024, both for how he plays and how much money he makes. ESPN FC says Ronaldo makes the most money of any athlete in the world earning $260 million. His big role in the Saudi Pro League where he plays for Al-Nassr FC shows how valuable he is and what he means to football. On the field Ronaldo has got 16 goals and gave 3 assists this season which shows he’s still got it.
Cristiano Ronaldo again topped the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes with total income of $260 million in 2024, according to Sportico 🤯
Lionel Messi was the fourth highest-paid athlete, making $135 million 💰 https://t.co/6SveszFNAn
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC)
February 13, 2025
Lionel Messi’s Impact in MLS
Lionel Messi coming to the United States has changed everything for Major League Soccer (MLS). Since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023 Messi has been amazing, getting the MLS MVP award after scoring 20 goals in 19 games. When it comes to money, Messi is still huge being fourth in the world making $135 million. Him being there has changed how teams work and spend money in MLS.
Broader Implications for Global Football
What Ronaldo and Messi do affects football everywhere. Big transfers like Ronaldo going to the Saudi Pro League gets everyone talking and changes how leagues work. Saudi Pro League teams wanting players like Marcus Rashford shows they’re getting bigger. At the same time Messi going to MLS shows that American soccer can get really good players now. Both of them are setting records for how much they earn and how they play which changes money and sports all over football.
- Marcus Rashford: Saudi Pro League teams show interest amid his uncertain future at Manchester United.
- Leonardo Campana: His transfer marks a new chapter in MLS.
