Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in sport has been laid bare in Forbes’ 2023 list of the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes, with four having links to the Middle Eastern country.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s position at No 1 (US$136m) may not come as a shock after doubling his salary in the move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr – bumping Lionel Messi to No 2 ($130m) in the process – but the inclusion of two golfers among the football and basketball millionaires is a departure from previous lists.
