Forbes 2023: Ronaldo Dominates, Mbappé Unstoppable
The Forbes 2023 list of highest-paid athletes includes Ronaldo as the lead, amongst other notable players, and emphasizes the economic impact of sports.
Forbes 2023: Ronaldo Dominates, Mbappé Unstoppable
Forbes 2023 magazine has ranked Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid athlete in the world for 2023. Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in January 2023, had his wages jump to a record $125 million in the previous year.
The annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes is compiled by Forbes and ranks athletes based on their earnings from salaries, endorsements, and other sources of revenue. Ronaldo has been in the top three on this list for numerous years, and he has taken the top spot for the first time since 2017.
Ronaldo’s Transfer to Al-Nassr Boosts His Earnings
Ronaldo’s $120 million transfer from Manchester United to Al-Nassr has contributed significantly to his earnings this year. This is in addition to his lucrative endorsement arrangements with brands such as Nike and Herbalife. His best season was undoubtedly the 2016-17 season when he led Real Madrid to a historic double of La Liga and Champions League titles. He scored 42 goals in all competitions that season, helping his team to victory.
Ronaldo’s net worth is reported to be approximately $500 million, making him one of the world’s wealthiest athletes. He has invested his fortune in a variety of businesses, including his own clothing line, hotels, and a gym franchise. Ronaldo’s economic achievements extend beyond his personal fortune; he has also played a role in enhancing the economies of the clubs he has played for, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and now Al-Nassr.
Other Athletes Who Made the List
Apart from Ronaldo, there were other athletes who made it to the Forbes 2023 list of highest-paid athletes. Here are the athletes who made it to the top 5:
Lionel Messi
With revenues of on-field $65 million and off-field $65 million, the Argentine football player was ranked second on the Forbes 2023 list. The Argentine soccer player, born on June 24, 1987, is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. He began his career with Newell’s Old Boys’ youth team before joining Barcelona’s youth system.
Messi made his debut for Barcelona in 2004 and has since won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles with the club. Messi has also won the Ballon d’Or, which is given to the best player in the world, seven times in a row. Messi had a brilliant performance in the 2011 UEFA Champions League final, scoring a brace to help Barcelona defeat Manchester United 3-1.
Kylian Mbappé
With revenues of on-field $100 million and off-field $20 million, Mbappé makes it third on the Forbes 2023 list and is the only member still under 30. He earns the highest playing pay in football, which appears to be justified after falling one win short of a second straight World Cup title with France in 2022 and finishing close behind PSG teammate Lionel Messi for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award.
Born in Paris in 1998, Mbappé grew up in the city’s northeastern suburbs and began playing soccer at a young age. In 2017, Mbappé was signed by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a deal worth €180 million, making him one of the most expensive players in soccer history.
LeBron James
With revenues of on-field $44.5 million and off-field $75 million, the NBA superstar ranked fourth on Forbes 2023 list. The American professional basketball player was born on December 30, 1984, and presently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected James first overall in 2003 as a high school basketball phenom.
He has four NBA titles, four NBA MVP honours, and two Olympic gold medals to his credit. His breakout performance occurred in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, when he led the Cavaliers to a dramatic comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors, breaking Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought.
Canelo Álvarez
With revenues of on-field $100 million and off-field $10 million, Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, born on July 18, 1990, in Mexico, is a professional boxer who has made a name for himself in the sport through his impressive performances and remarkable accomplishments. He is ranked fifth on the Forbes 2023 list. He had his first professional boxing fight at 15 and won his first world title at 20.
He has won 17 world titles at four different weight classes, including a recent super-middleweight undisputed championship title defence against Gennady Golovkin. Canelo’s professional boxing record is 58-2-2, including 39 knockout wins, and he is set to fight British boxer John Ryder on May 6, 2023.
Implications of Ronaldo’s Move to Al-Nassr
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has been a topic of discussion among soccer fans and human rights advocates. While the move has brought more money and fame for Ronaldo, it has also raised concerns about human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. Some people have criticized Ronaldo’s move, accusing him of being insensitive to the human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. They argue that by accepting a large sum of money to play in a country with a poor human rights record, Ronaldo is helping to legitimize the Saudi government’s actions.
On the other hand, Ronaldo defended his decision by saying that he wants to experience a new culture and contribute to the development of soccer in the Middle East. He also claimed that he will use his platform to raise awareness about human rights issues. While the debate about Ronaldo’s move continues, it is important to acknowledge the human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia and the need for sports figures to speak out against such violations. Ronaldo has a massive following and can use his platform to advocate for change in Saudi Arabia and other countries with poor human rights records.
Impact of Sports on the Global Economy
Sports, in general, have a unique way of bringing people together, transcending boundaries and bridging gaps between nations. It provides a platform for nations to showcase their talent, culture, and hospitality to the world. The economy generated by hosting international sporting events can boost a country’s tourism, job market and overall development, making it a significant contributor to global relations.
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, a club in Saudi Arabia, may have raised concerns about human rights abuses in the country, but it also highlights the monetary benefits of sports for countries that participate and host. His move to the Middle East could be viewed as a way for the Saudi government to showcase its vision and aspirations through sporting events. This, in turn, can generate significant revenue for the country and provide a much-needed boost to its economy.
Looking at the Forbes 2023 list, one wonders about the economic benefits of sports and how they are not limited to the host country alone. The athletes themselves, through their talent and dedication, can earn significant amounts of money and create job opportunities for others in the sports industry. Sports figures like Ronaldo have a massive following, and they can leverage their influence to create positive change by raising awareness about social issues and human rights.
World’s Highest-Paid Athletes Forbes 2023: Round-Up
- Forbes 2023 released their annual list of highest-paid athletes in the world.
- Cristiano Ronaldo topped the Forbes 2023 list with an estimated earning of $120 million.
- Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr from Manchester United in a deal reportedly worth $120 million has contributed significantly to his earnings this year.
- Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, LeBron James, and Canelo” Álvarezr rounded out the top five of the Forbes 2023 list.
- The Forbes 2023 list included athletes from various sports, such as soccer, basketball, tennis, and Formula One racing.
- The combined earnings of the top 10 athletes on the Forbes 2023 list amount to over $900 million.
Proof read & Published by:Aliya Khan
