$500,000,000 Poorer Than LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo Pips Lakers Superstar for Guinness World Record Thanks to $500 Million Deal

Accomplishments in the sport not only earn the athlete recognition but also wealth. The earnings of any sporting star depend on the stature and the brand value athlete carries. Two such names in the sporting world are Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, who earned staggering wealth thanks to their on-field display.

But that wasn’t it. The duo kept earning through other sources like personal investments and endorsements. It took their net worth to new heights. However, the NBA superstar pips the Portuguese in net worth. As of today, James is worth $1 billion compared to $500 million of Ronaldo. The Al Nassr forward pipped James in the recent report, despite lagging in the worth.

Cristiano Ronaldo creates another record

Forbes has released a list of the highest-earning athletes recently. They generally calculate the numbers for a year that ended May 1, 2023. And for the first time since 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo made it to the top. In the process, he left behind his arch-rival and Inter Miami-bound Lionel Messi. 

The former Real Madrid talisman earned a staggering $136 million last year. The blockbuster Al Nassr contract worth $500 million over two-and-a-half-year played its part. However, of the $136 million he earned last year, only $46 million was from the salary. On the other hand, Ronaldo made a whopping $90 million from endorsements and his businesses like merchandise and restaurants. 

Meanwhile, LeBron James made $119 million and finished fourth on the list behind CR7, Messi ($130 million), and Kylian Mbappe ($120 million). James’ earned $45 million from the on-court heroics and $75 million from the endorsements and his investments, one being part of Liverpool ownership.

James and Ronaldo are the ones who have a lifetime deal with Nike. They joined Michael Jordan. And their $1 billion Nike lifetime deal helps the sporting icons add significantly to their fortunes. 

Ronaldo might top the list next year too

The Portuguese shocked the world in January after deciding to join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. However, leaving Europe added millions to the fortunes of the Portuguese. The Roshn Saudi League club spent an enormous $500 million to land the former Manchester United superstar.

READ MORE: 4 Years After Thrashing Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic Taunts Biased Centre Court Crowd With a Triggering Gesture as Drama-Filled Wimbledon Semi-final Goes His Way

They offered the Portuguese a salary of $70 million to $90 million. However, Ronaldo’s earnings soared to $200 million with some endorsements and image rights included. With a contract valid till June 2025, Ronaldo could potentially earn $500 million. Currently, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the highest-paid athlete and might again pip other superstars to top the Forbes list next year. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Four Goals in a Game

Let us know your thoughts on how much earnings Ronaldo will end with next year.