Ronaldo tops Forbes, earning twice as much as Messi

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes’s global list of highest-paid athletes, earning $260 million in the past 12 months, twice as much as his rival Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo became the highest-paid athlete after moving to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 39-year-old star’s earnings include a $200 million fixed salary and $60 million from sponsorship deals, thanks to his massive social media following.

In contrast, Messi, who moved to Inter Miami in the MLS, earned $135 million, placing him third on the list. This includes $65 million in salary and $70 million from sponsorships with brands like Adidas and Apple.

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Golfer Jon Rahm is second on the list, earning $218 million after joining the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s tournament system.

The top five also include NBA stars LeBron James ($128.2 million) and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111 million). Other notable athletes include Kylian Mbappe ($110 million), Neymar ($108 million), Karim Benzema ($106 million), Steph Curry, and Lamar Jackson (both $100.5 million).

Overall, the 50 highest-paid athletes earned $3.88 billion over the past year, with the NBA contributing the most athletes to the list. The earnings highlight a generational shift, with many long-time top earners retiring or nearing the end of their careers.

Ronaldo tops Forbes, earning twice as much as Messi

Flamingos thrash Burkinabe Girls 6-0 in U-17 World Cup qualifier

Nigeria secured a place in the final qualifying round of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a comprehensive 6-0 thrashing of Burkina Faso on Saturday night.

Bankole Olowookere’s side qualified 7-1 on aggregate.

Harmony Chidi was the star of the match as she netted a hat-trick for the home team.

Peace Effiong bagged a brace, while Ramota Kareem scored the other goal for the Flamingos.

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The Flamingos will face either Senegal or Liberia in the final round.

Three teams will represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic.

The competition will run from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

Flamingos thrash Burkinabe Girls 6-0 in U-17 World Cup qualifier

Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion

Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision points defeat on a dramatic night in Saudi Arabia as Oleksandr Usyk became boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing 10 count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.

In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stony-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

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It meant Fury, 35, lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career. He will get an immediate opportunity for revenge with a rematch planned for later this year.

“I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority,” a defiant Fury said in the ring.

“It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back.”

Usyk takes the WBC belt from Fury, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.

The 37-year-old remains unbeaten and is the first boxer in almost 25 years to stand tall as the sport’s sole heavyweight world champion.

“Thank you so much to my team. It’s a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It’s a great time, it’s a great day,” Usyk said.

“I am ready for a rematch.”

Usyk beats Fury by split decision to become undisputed heavyweight champion