Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd contract laid bare by Forbes - below Neymar and Lionel Messi

Forbes have released their list of the world's 10 highest-paid athletes for 2022 - and it shows Manchester United are paying Cristiano Ronaldo less than PSG give Neymar and Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo's earnings have been laid bare by Forbes - and his Manchester United contract pockets him less than Neymar and Lionel Messi do from PSG.

The American business magazine have released their list of the world's 10 highest-paid athletes for 2022, which accounts for on-field earnings and off-field earnings. And the trio of football megastars feature prominently.

Ronaldo is third with $60million (£49m) from his salary, plus bonuses and prize money. However, a large chunk of his overall earnings come from his sponsorship deals and other revenue, with the $55m (£45m) taking his total to a staggering $115m (£94m).

Neymar is one place below him on the list with $95m (£77m), but his PSG deal makes up a significant $70m (£57m) portion of that and is greater than the amount Ronaldo's making from the Old Trafford hierarchy.

The Ligue 1 financial superpower offered seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi even more money than his team-mate when he joined them from Barcelona last summer. His on-field earnings for the period of May 1, 2021 to May 1, 2022 total $75m (£61m), while he's earned the same amount as Ronaldo away from the pitch to take his total to $130m (£106m).

Who should earn the most and the least of the trio? Let us know in the comments section.

Forbes' criteria is explained as: "On-field earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between May 1, 2021, and May 1, 2022. Off-field earnings figures are an estimate of sponsorship deals, appearance fees and memorabilia and licensing income for the 12 months leading to May 1, 2022, plus cash returns from any businesses operated by the athlete, based on conversations with industry insiders.

"Forbes does not include investment income such as interest payments or dividends but does account for payouts from equity stakes athletes have sold. Forbes does not deduct for taxes or agents’ fees."

Ronaldo is set to lose even more ground on his counterparts, with the whole United squad getting a pay cut following their failure to qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils legend is set to lose out on £100k-per-week, which works out to £5.2m over the year.