Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first active athlete to surpass $2 billion in career earnings, according to Forbes’ latest ranking, with Lionel Messi projected to cross the same milestone by the end of 2027.The Portuguese forward leads the list with estimated career earnings of $2.09 billion (Dh 7.67 billion), ahead of golf legend Tiger Woods, who ranks second with $1.97 billion (Dh 7.23 billion). Former Argentina captain Messi is third at $1.87 billion (Dh 6.86 billion).AdChoicesADVERTISINGRonaldo’s earnings are driven largely by his lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, which pays him more than $200 million (Dh 734.5 million) annually. The 41-year-old has recorded at least $100 million (Dh 367.2 million) in estimated annual earnings for 10 consecutive seasons, including spells at Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid.Despite his career earnings exceeding $2 billion, Forbes estimates Ronaldo’s net worth at $1.2 billion (Dh 4.40 billion). He made his debut on the publication’s list of the world’s billionaires in June, edging Messi, whose estimated net worth stands at $1.1 billion (Dh 4.03 billion).
