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Ronaldo tops Forbes Money Index to be named world’s best-paid athlete

The Portuguese has become the first footballer ever to attain this crown, beating great rival Lionel Messi to top spot once more

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has come out on top of the new Forbes Money Index as the best-paid athlete in the world.

Ronaldo, who won the Champions League with his club and Euro 2016 with his country over the course of last year, earned $88 million to beat the likes of LeBron James, Lionel Messi and Neymar to top spot.

The attacker turns 32 on Sunday and has double reason to celebrate after being the first footballer to ever attain the status of being the world’s best-paid sportsman.