PSG, beware! Martinelli is finally getting back to his best

Hemp's back - but should Lionesses worry about injuries?

You sure, Trent? Liverpool more primed for success than Madrid

The best Didier Drogba interview you'll ever read

Where does Raphinha rank among Barca's best Brazilians?

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream MLS games live

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo, Messi ranked among top five highest paid athletes of all time</li><li>Portugal star has total earnings of $1.83 billion, Messi $1.49bn</li><li>Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods top list </li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo join Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as being ranked among the highest paid athletes of all time

CONCACAF Champions Cup

Vancouver Whitecaps

Inter Miami CF

AFC Champions League Elite

Yokohama F.Marinos

Al Nassr FC

<p>Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Al-Nassr FC's Cristiano Ronaldo are among the highest-paid athletes of all time, joining a list featuring some of sport's biggest icons, including NBA legend Michael Jordan and golf icon Tiger Woods. </p><p>Ronaldo's total earnings total nearly $2 billion - putting him at third while the Argentine isn't far behind, though, with $1.49 billion, which is good for fifth. </p><p>Jordan topped <a href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2025/highest-paid-athletes-all-time-jordan-tiger-ronaldo-1234849240/" target="_blank"><em>Sportico</em>'s</a> list at 4.15 billion, while Woods was second at 2.79 billion. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James came in at fourth with 1.88 billion. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The list includes money made from salaries and sponsorships, but does not factor in investments. David Beckham, the other soccer star in the top 10, came in at eighth, and might have been higher if his ownership in Miami was included. The MLS club is currently <a href="https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2025/mls-team-values-2025-lafc-inter-miami-1234825738/" target="_blank">valued at $1.19bn</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Soccer has a relatively small influence on the top 50 list, with just four current or former players making the cut. Basketball leads the way with 13. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The duo figures to remain among sports' top earners - especially as their careers continue. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-lionel-messi-reportedly-nearing-contract-extension-through-2026-season/blt5478459a13f1f706#:~:text=Lionel%20Messi%2C%20Inter%20Miami%20reportedly,2026%20season%20%7C%20Goal.com%20US" target="_blank">Messi is reportedly nearing a one-year contract extension</a> at Inter Miami, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-makes-final-decision-on-al-nassr-future-one-eye-portugal-swansong-2026-world-cup/blta8da34b13119e0aa#:~:text=This%20extension%20will%20keep%20him,States%2C%20Canada%2C%20and%20Mexico." target="_blank">while there is talk of Ronaldo penning a new deal</a> at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND RONALDO?

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo join Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as being ranked among the highest paid athletes of all time | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo finished third on Sportico&apos;s highest paid athletes of all time list, while Lionel Messi came in at fifth

Next matches