Cristiano Ronaldo set to overtake Lionel Messi as highest-paid footballer this season
CTV
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to leapfrog long-term rival Lionel Messi as the highest-paid football player in the world, according to Forbes.
Following his move back to Manchester United, the Portuguese superstar is forecast to earn US$125 million before taxes this season -- with $70 million coming from his salary and bonuses alone.
Messi, meanwhile, is set to earn $110 million in the 2021-22 season, making him the second-highest earner in the game.
The 34-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona this year and is anticipated to earn more than Ronaldo in terms of salary -- $75 million.
But Ronaldo -- who is the most popular athlete on social media with more than 500 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, according to Forbes -- brings in $55 million in endorsements compared to Messi's $35 million.
