Forbes Release Their List Of Highest Paid Athletes For 2022, Lionel Messi Ranks Above Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is yet again included in Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes, but it may come as a surprise that the Portugal great gets paid less than his rivals from Paris St. Germain.

Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United last summer after leaving Italian side Juventus. But as sensational as the news of his return to Old Trafford is, his team’s performance has been anything but that.

United has endured what can only be described as a shocker of a season, with the team on course to collect the club’s lowest ever point tally in the Premier League, and their most recent outing ended in an utterly embarrassing 4-0 defeat by Brighton.

In the latest edition of the list, Ronaldo is ranked third, with an on-field earning of $60m, backed up by his off-field earning of $55m. With only Basketball star Lebron James and Ronaldo’s long term nemesis Lionel Messi of PSG ranked above the United No.7.

Ronaldo might have been ranked third, but his on field earning is less than both Messi and Brazilian star Neymar, who also play for PSG. Messi took home a total of $75m of on-field earning whilst Neymar took $70m.

Forbes’ criteria for their top 10 highest paid athletes is: "On-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between May 1, 2021, and May 1, 2022.

"Off-field earnings figures are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and memorabilia and licensing income for the 12 months leading to May 1, 2022, plus cash returns from any businesses operated by the athlete, based on conversations with industry insiders.

"Forbes does not include investment income such as interest payments or dividends but does account for payouts from equity stakes athletes have sold. Forbes does not deduct for taxes or agents’ fees."

After United’s disastrous season, Ronaldo is set to see a slight decrease in his on-field earnings, as the United players are set for a pay cut following the club’s dismal attempt at qualifying for the Champions League. Ronaldo will lose out on around £100k per-week, £5.2m over the year.

With such a winning mentality that Ronaldo has, it is probably safe to say he will be working harder than ever off the pitch to ensure that his total earnings are still up there with his main rivals.

You can see the full list here.

Words by Marcus Chan.