Cristiano Ronaldo was Monday named the world’s richest footballer after topping the annual list of players’ net worth compiled by a football website Goal.com.
The Real Madrid forward held off Barcelona rival lionel Messi in the Goal Rich list 2014 with estimated wealth of 148 million euros. Ronaldo has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months in which his value to club and country has 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.