Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer who currently plays for Manchester United, has been named Forbes’ highest-paid athlete of 2023 following his controversial move to Saudi Arabia. According to Forbes, Ronaldo earned a staggering $125 million in the past year, thanks in large part to his sponsorship deals and lucrative contract with his new team.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was met with controversy due to the country’s human rights record and ongoing issues with freedom of speech and expression. However, the move also allowed Ronaldo to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s favorable tax laws, which reportedly played a significant role in his decision to sign with the team.

Despite the controversy surrounding his move, Ronaldo remains one of the most popular and successful athletes in the world. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Or awards and four UEFA Champions League titles.

In addition to his success on the field, Ronaldo has also become one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with numerous endorsement deals and partnerships with brands like Nike, Tag Heuer, and Herbalife. His massive social media following, which includes over 500 million followers across various platforms, has also helped him to increase his earning potential and global influence.

While some may criticize Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia and the role that money plays in professional sports, there is no denying that he is one of the most talented and successful athletes of his generation. With his impressive earning power and massive global following, Ronaldo is sure to remain a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field for years to come.