Cristiano Ronaldo was today named the world’s
richest footballer after topping the annual list of
players’ net worth compiled by global football media
title Goal.com.
The Real Madrid forward just held off Barcelona
rival Lionel Messi in the Goal Rich List 2014 with an
estimated wealth of €148 million. Ronaldo has
enjoyed a remarkable 12 months in which his value
to club and country has been never been more
evident.
He scored all four goals as Portugal beat Sweden in
the World Cup play-offs, landed the 2013 Ballon d’Or
and signed a record-breaking new five-year deal with
Madrid.
Messi, who lost his Ballon d’Or crown to Ronaldo in
January, came in second after inspiring Barcelona to
the Spanish title and signing up for a range of
lucrative endorsements.
The Goal Rich List is collated by a team of analysts
and takes into account all streams of revenue for
active footballers over the course of their
careers. Ronaldo succeeds David Beckham who led
the way in the 2013 Goal Rich List but called time on
his playing career in May 2013.
Only current professionals are eligible with the
earnings of more than 200 contenders assessed
before Goal’s experts finalised on their selection.
