Reuters via Imagn Images

Cristiano Ronaldo's Monthly Salary Set to Eclipse Lionel Messi's Annual Income

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 3:59 PM ET

Just when Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr seemed to be coming to a close, the sport of soccer found itself stunned on Thursday.

As shared to his 115.5 million followers on X, the Portuguese forward revealed that he will be returning to the club, which he initially joined in 2023 after leaving Manchester United for the second time in his career

"A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together. ," wrote Ronaldo.

Just last month, Ronaldo had fans across the world convinced he was leaving Al Nassr after he posted a message on X, writing, "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."

According to World Soccer Talk, his "new chapter" entailed him signing a two-year deal worth over $400 million.

To put that into perspective, Transfer News Live took to X to provide a breakdown of how much Ronaldo makes anywhere from the second to the year.

Cristiano Ronaldo's new contract at Al-Nassr:

• €400M/year
• €33.34M/month
• €7.6M/week
• €1.1M/day
• €46,300/hour
• €772/ minute
• €13/second pic.twitter.com/Tj86Uv1wOF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 26, 2025

In addition to inking a new deal, Ronaldo has the financial advantage over his longtime rival and Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi.

As confirmed by Spotrac, Messi is making a little over $20.4 million per year under his current contract with the David Beckham-owned club. At 33.34 million euros per month, which converts to approximately $39 million U.S., Ronaldo is earning about $19 million more per month than Messi makes in the entire year.

While this may seem like a lot for a 40-year-old, Ronaldo has not been playing like his age would suggest.

He has 93 goals in 105 appearances for Al Nassr in all competitions and led Portugal to a victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final. Whether or not this is the final chapter for him is unknown, but clearly he is happy with where he is.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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