Ronaldo Crowned World’s Richest Footballer [See Full List]

Portuguese and Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo has overthrown Lionel Messi on the rankings of World's Richest Footballer.

The Real Madrid megastar has an estimated wealth of £122million, according to the annual football Rich List compiled by Goal.com.

A lucrative new five-year contract worth £86.5million, signed with Real in September, means the Portuguese came in just ahead of Messi's worth of £120.5million.

Ronaldo enjoyed a sensational 2013, scoring all four goals in a two-legged play-off with Sweden to guide his country to the World Cup finals. He has scored a phenomenal 42 goals in 33 matches for club and country this season as Real chase a Treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

In addition to his salary which pays £14.3million a year he has lucrative sponsorship deals with Nike, Armani, Castrol Edge, Jacob & Co, Herbalife, Banco Espirito Santo and KFC.

In 2013, Ronaldo launched his own line of underwear and even opened his own museum.

Because only current professionals count in the list, last year's leader David Beckham drops out after announcing his retirement last May, allowing Ronaldo to claim top spot.

Messi had an up and down year by his standards – his salary of £12.3million was eclipsed by Ronaldo, he suffered a prolonged injury absence and he was forced to appear in court to testify over alleged tax fraud.

Top 10 List

1. Cristiano Ronaldo £122m

2. Lionel Messi £120.5m

3. Samuel Eto'o £70m

4. Wayne Rooney £69m

5. Kaka £67.5m

6. The Neymar family £66m

7. Ronaldinho £64m

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic £57m

9. Gianluigi Buffon £52m

10. Thierry Henry £47m