Christiano%2BRonaldo%2527s%2Bnew%2Bstatue%2Berected%2Bin%2Bhis%2Bbirthplace%2Bin%2BMadeira%2B78

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the top earning athlete in the world after making £61million last year alone beating long-term leader Floyd Mayweather Jnr into first place. The retired boxer, who fought just once within the last 12 months, earned £30million.

Ronaldo struck a £38.5million-a-year salary with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Plus his endorsement deals with Nike, watchmaker Tag Heuer and nutrition supplements group Herbalife were worth £22million.

World%2527s%2Bhighest%2Bpaid%2Bathlete%253B%2BCristiano%2BRonaldo%2Btops%2B%2528Full%2Blist%2529

His football rival Lionel Messi is second on the list raking in £56million within the last year.


(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});