World's Highest-Paid Athletes 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo Leads, Lionel Messi Follows [FULL LIST]

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi — Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) stands past Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the 'El clasico' Spanish League football match Real Madrid vs Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014. Barcelona won 4-3. DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images

The highest-paid athletes of the year have been revealed! This year, Cristiano Ronaldo takes the lead becoming the top player in the "World's Highest-Paid Athletes" 2016 list released by Forbes earlier this week. Lionel Messi follows, nabbing second place.

Ronaldo, who is a forward for Spanish club Real Madrid and captain for Portugal national team, ranked number one on the list with earnings of $88 million over the past 12 months from salary, bonuses and endorsements, according to Forbes.

His contract with Real Madrid, which runs through 2018, is worth more than $50 million a year. Forbes also noted that the renowned soccer player extended his contract with Nike, worth $13 million a year. Other endorsements include Tag Heuer, Herbalife, Pokerstars, Clear Shampoo and more, in addition to his own clothing line, cologne and hotels under construction.

The 31-year-old athlete is the second team athlete after Michael Jordan to rank highest-paid athlete since the list, which debuted in 1990.

Messi, on the other hand, is not too far behind, ranking second place with his earnings of $81.4 million. Rafael Nadal, Neymar and Fernando Alonso, are also in the list.

From soccer to basketball and tennis to football, the renowned sports list ranked 25 athletes with the highest earnings in the world. Check them out below!