Ronaldo the world’s highest-paid footballer

MANCHESTER: Cristiano Ronaldo’s big-money move to Manchester United saw him replacing Lionel Messi as the highest-paid footballer in the world, according to the latest rankings released by Forbes.

Ronaldo is set to earn

$125 million (R1.8 billion) before taxes in the 2021-22 season, with $70m coming from salary and bonus for his return to United. The 36-year-old is set to earn $55m from commercial deals. Only three active athletes make more commercially: Roger Federer ($90m), LeBron James ($65m) and Tiger Woods ($60m).

His arch-rival, Lionel Messi, will earn $110m this season, with $75m of that coming from his salary and bonuses at the Parc des Princes. The former Barcelona star will pad his PSG paycheck with an estimated $35m in endorsements. PSG now claims three of the world’s

| ANI five highest-paid players, including 29-year-old Neymar, who lands at No 3 with $95m, and 22-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who is No 4 with $43m.