From Humble Beginnings to Football Royalty: The Early Income of Ronaldo and Messi Revealed

Details of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi‘s early contracts have come to light, showcasing the vast difference in their initial earnings. Ronaldo, who kickstarted his career with Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United, was reported to have earned £860,000 annually in his first professional deal. This figure more than doubled to £1.8m per year after his transfer to United.

Meanwhile, Messi’s humble beginnings at Barcelona saw him earn £516 per month as a youth player before securing a significant salary increase to £2.6m per year with his first professional contract. This marked the beginning of his illustrious journey at the club.

Both Ronaldo and Messi have solidified their places in football history, accumulating an impressive array of achievements including multiple Ballon d'Or awards and Champions League titles. They continue to dominate the record books across La Liga, European Cup, and beyond.

Ronaldo, known for his goal-scoring prowess, has enjoyed successful stints with top clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus before landing at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Despite his age of 39, he shows no signs of slowing down and remains a high earner in the sport with a lucrative three-year deal worth approximately £175m.

Messi, on the other hand, made headlines with his departure from Barcelona in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain, followed by a move to the MLS with Inter Miami. His impact on the field continues to be profound, with a reported earning of £43m at Inter Miami and a noteworthy goal-scoring record in the 2023 season.