Cristiano Ronaldo sets new world record with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabian League

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the Middle East saw him become the world's highest-earning sportsman for the first time since 2017.

The former Manchester United star's yearly gross earnings at his new club, Al-Nassr, saw him achieve this status for the third time.

According to the latest report by Forbes, Ronaldo has topped the list of the world’s highest-paid stars, earning himself another world record for the highest annual earnings for an athlete in 2023.

In the 12 months leading up to May 1, 2023 - the date by which most sports seasons are concluded - the Portuguese veteran is estimated to have earned $136 million, as reported by Guinness World Records.

This is comprised of $46mil in on-field earnings in the Saudi Pro League, plus $90mil off the pitch.

Ronaldo has claimed the title from the previous holder, Lionel Messi, who was the highest-paid athlete of 2022 with an estimated taking of £103mil.

Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr

After an underwhelming second stint at Manchester United - by his standards at least - Ronaldo left the club in November 2022 and joined Al-Nassr in January this year.

This blockbuster and highly debated move is believed to be worth around $75mil per year, yet his off-field earnings are believed to far exceed his on-field income.

Alongside his lifetime contract with Nike, Ronaldo makes millions upon millions through CR7-branded merchandise.

Forbes factored every athlete’s both on-field and off-field earnings when collating their rankings, including salaries, prize money, bonuses, sponsorships, appearance fees, memorabilia, licensing income, and business interests.