Despite having moved to a league with less international visibility, Lionel Messi It follows firmly among the richest athletes on the planet. However, there is no possible competition if compared to its eternal rival: Cristiano Ronaldowho to 40 years It holds the first place with a figure that impacts even outside the sports field.
As revealed by the magazine Forbesthe Portuguese star perceives 275 million dollars a yearof which 225 million come from their contract in Arabic football and others 50 million They arrive from sponsors. Its economic impact does not decrease over time, and remains one of the most attractive figures for brands.
Messi in the Top 5, but far from the leader
The difference with the Argentine captain is substantial. Messi appears in him fifth placewith estimated income in 135 million dollars annually. Of that figure, 60 million correspond to their salary with the Inter Miamiwhile Remaining 75 million They come from advertising agreements. Although in sports its league is less demanding, its global image continues to generate millions.
The curious fact is that, although it is still among the most sought after by the sponsors, Messi He wins less than triple what is Cristiano alone in the strictly football. Even so, Its commercial impact He continues to position it as one of the strongest names in the world of sport.
The stars that complete the podium
Among the economic giants that exceed Messi, names of other disciplines appear. In second place is Stephen Currystar of the NBAcon 156 million dollars per year, thanks to commercial contracts that exceed the 100 million. The boxer follows Tyson Furycon 146 millionand the NFL field marshal Dak Prescottcon 137 million.
Each of them shows how elite sport became a global business platform, where performance and charisma go hand in hand with the ability to bill.
A millionaire ecosystem that does not stop growing
Outside the top 5, other figures such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Shohei Ohtani, My wife y Juan Soto They also exceed the 100 million dollars annuallycombining sports and commercial income. All of them are part of an ecosystem where talent is only part of the equation.
These figures reveal how global brands are increasingly betting on the influence of athletes on social networks, campaigns and global presence.
More than football: an expansion industry
In this context, the battle between Messi and Cristiano is no longer just a matter of goals. It is a bid for dominating the sport business. “I am at my best”the Portuguese recently declared, and does not seem to be wrong: he leads not only on the court, but also in finance.
Football, today more than ever, is also played outside the field. And in that field, Messi and Ronaldo continue to make a difference. One with its legacy of magic, the other with its inexhaustible ability to generate fortune.
