The 40-year-old Portuguese star has earned at least $100 million over the past eight years. Cristiano Ronaldo remained the highest-earning athlete in 2024, according to a ranking of the top 100 compiled by Sportico.

Lionel Messi made more money than both his former Barcelona teammate and his Real Madrid rival. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner ranks as the fourth highest paid athlete of 2024 and the second in soccer. Still, his $135 million is nearly half of what Ronaldo earned in the same year.