Cristiano Ronaldo bags another Guinness World Record title as highest-paid athlete in 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo has bagged another Guinness World Records title for the highest earnings for an athlete in 2023.

The 38-year-old is estimated to have earned a whopping £107.5 million in the 12 months leading up to May 1, 2023.

He takes the title from Lionel Messi, who was the highest-paid athlete of 2022, with an estimated £103 million when he was still on the books at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Al Nassr superstar's record-breaking income is comprised of £35 million in on-field earnings and £68.5 million in endorsements.

The on-field earnings include salaries, prize money and bonuses, while the off-field earnings are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees, memorabilia and licensing income.

Ronaldo has a huge off-field income, which consists of his lucrative Nike contract and through his own CR7-branded merchandise.

The former Manchester United star is the world's highest-paid athlete for the first time since 2017 and the third time overall.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner moved to the Saudi Pro League side following his Man United release.

He's contracted until 2025 and is on an extremely lucrative financial package at Al Nassr as he pockets a whopping £173 million salary, earning a staggering £3.6 million-per-week.

He scored 14 goals in 19 games in all competitions in his debut campaign at Al Nassr, but failed to win any silverware with his new side.

Ronaldo's team have friendly matches against Celta Vigo, Benfica and PSG on deck ahead of the new Saudi season.