Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's highest paid athlete in 2023 - Forbes

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid athlete in the world in 2023, according to the Forbes list, which places Messi and Mbappe in 2nd and 3rd position, respectively.

The Portuguese leads this ranking - which analyses the global business of sports stars from 1st May 2022 to 1st May 2023 - with an income of 123 million euros thanks largely to the $75 million a year salary he earns at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Ronaldo earned 90 million from sponsorship and other off-field business, while he received 46 million for his on-field performance ('Forbes' took into account his earnings at United and Al Nassr, as well as his time without a team).

The '7' thus snatched the number 1 spot in 'Forbes' from Messi, who had been the highest paid athlete in 2022 with 130 million and who in the 2023 list appears 2nd with the same amount (65 million on the pitch and another 65 million off it).

Mbappe, the Argentine's teammate at PSG, completes the podium with $120 million, of which 'only' $20 million came for his off-field activities.