Cristiano Ronaldo finished third on Sportico's highest paid athletes of all-time list, while Lionel Messi came in at fifth
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- Ronaldo, Messi among top-five highest-paid athletes of all-time
- Portugal star has total earnings of $1.83 billion, Messi $1.49B
- Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods top list
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WHAT HAPPENED?
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 names, including NBA legend Michael Jordan and golf star Tiger Woods.
Ronaldo's earnings total nearly $2 billion, putting him third, while the Argentine isn't far behind at $1.49 billion, which is good for fifth.
Jordan topped 's list at $4.15 billion, while Woods was second at $2.79 billion. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James came in at fourth at $1.88 billion.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The list includes money earned from salaries and sponsorships, but does not factor in investments. David Beckham, the other soccer star in the top 10, came in at eight, and might have been higher if his ownership in Inter Miami was included. The MLS club is currently valued at $1.19B.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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.
- Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND RONALDO?
The duo figure to remain among sports' top earners. Messi is reportedly nearing a one-year contract extension at Inter Miami, while there is talk of Ronaldo signing a new deal at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
