The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been going on for years, with the two football megastars competing for the title of the GOAT or the Greatest of All for over a decade. And while football fans continue counting their goals, assists, and comparing overall performance throughout the years, their heavy contracts and sponsorship deals have also been a matter of discussion. Although the duo swapped the No.1 spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes more than a few times, Cristiano Ronaldo leads in total five-year earnings.
According to data presented by SafeBettingSites.com, Cristiano Ronaldo has raked in $629 million through salary and endorsements in the past five years, or $16 million more than his rival Messi.
Messi Tops in On-Field Earnings with $406 Million in Five Years, $61M More than Cristiano
The on and off-field rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has driven a significant portion of the incredible football salaries growth, despite the duo edging closer to retirement. But the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr took the whole thing to a new level, making him the highest-paid player in the game and the highest-paid athlete in 2023.
According to the Forbes data, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner made $46 million in salary and a huge $109 million through endorsements this year, pushing his five-year total earnings to a jaw-dropping $629 million. His on-field earnings make 54% of that value, with $345 million in the last five years. Statistics show Ronaldo raked in another $284 million through sponsorships and endorsements in this period, with 2023 bringing the highest annual off-field earnings.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi in total five-year earnings, the 2022 World Cup winner tops in on-field earnings. The Forbes data show Messi raked in $406 million through his salary between 2019 and 2023, or $61 million more than Cristiano. On the other hand, his off-field earnings are $77 million below these of the Portuguese football superstar, with Messi making $207 million through endorsements in the past five years.
Cristiano Ronaldo Doubled His Off-Field Earnings in Five Years, but His Salary Dropped by 57%
Thanks to their rising fame, both football superstars have seen their off-field earnings skyrocket over the years. The Forbes data show Cristiano Ronaldo more than doubled his off-field earnings in the past five years. In 2023, he raked in $90 million through endorsements and sponsorships, up from $44 million five years ago. On the other hand, his annual salary has dropped 57% in this period, plunging from $109 million in 2019 to $46 million this year.
Messi has also seen impressive growth in his off-field earnings, jumping from $35 million to $65 million in this period. But just like his rival Cristiano, Messi has also seen his salary drop in the past five years, falling by 30% from 92 million to $65 million.
