Cristiano Ronaldo Tops List of World’s Highest-Paid Athletes
Forbes dropped its list of the world’s highest-paid athletes on Thursday and a familiar face reigns supreme. Though he’s taken his talents to Saudi Arabia (or, perhaps, because he did), Cristiano Ronaldo sits at No. 1 with an estimated $260 million made over the last 12 months. The Al Nassr star took home $200 million this season alone and an additional $60 million through endorsements with Nike, Binance, and other brands. Golfer Jon Rahm takes the second spot with $218 million in earnings followed by Lionel Messi with $135 million made over the last year. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo round out the top five.
Brazil Names FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Host Country
FIFA has named the Brazil the host nation for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the football governing body announced in a statement Friday. This marks the first time a South American country will host the competition. This also marks the first time FIFA’s Congress had voted on the hosts for a women’s tournament. In the past, hosts were decided based on polling from the FIFA Council. Brazil received 119 votes while a joint submission by Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany picked up 78 votes. The dates for the tenth installment of the Women’s World Cup are not yet known at this time.
Naomi Osaka's Hana Kuma Picks up Tennis Film 'Julia Keeps Quiet' in Cannes
Through their production company Hana Kuma, Naomi Osaka and business partner Stuart Duguid have boarded the debut project from Leonardo Van Dijl, which will premiere at Cannes on Saturday. According to Variety, the film, Julie Keeps Quiet, “tells the story of Julie, the star player at an elite tennis academy whose life revolves around the game she loves. When her coach falls under investigation and is suddenly suspended, all of the club’s players are encouraged to speak up. But Julie decides to keep quiet.” Hana Kuma picked up an Emmy nomination for its debut production Mink!, which chronicles the life of Patsy Takemoto Mink, a Japanese-American from Hawaii who became the first woman of color elected to Congress.
Lenny Kravitz Set to Perform at Champions League Final
Before attendees settle in for what will be an unforgettable match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund, they’ll be treated to a performance by Lenny Kravitz. The rock star is confirmed to play a pre-match show before the UEFA Champions League Final on June 1. Kravitz will play classic hits and select singles from his 12th studio album “Blue Electric Light,” which drops on May 24. “It’s going to be such an exciting event ahead of a final that means so much to so many,” said Kravitz, via UEFA. “We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store.” The UEFA Champions League Final will be played from London’s Wembley Stadium.
Messi's Barcelona 'Contract' Napkin Sells for $965K
A napkin that was used to sign Lionel Messi to FC Barcelona has sold for £762.400 ($965,000), per a confirmation from British auction house Bonhams. Written in blue ink are details of Messi’s contract, which was an attempt to convince Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, that it would be accepted. Before reaching the agreement, Jorge threatened Barcelona that he was prepared to return to Argentina if discussions came to a standstill. Barcelona FC sporting director Carl Rexach asked a waiter for paper to make things “official,” but was instead handed a napkin to complete the transfer. The napkin is dated Dec. 14, 2000, and includes the signatures of Argentinian agent Horacio Gaggioli, another agent by the name of Josep Maria Minguella, and Rexach.
Sue Bird Links With Coinbase to Donate $25,000 to Support STEM Education for Girls
WNBA legend Sue Bird and Coinbase are teaming up to donate $25,000 to Techbridge Girls, a nonprofit that fights against gender, racial, and class bias in STEM. The grant will help Techbridge Girls grow and set up a program on professional development and another on facilitator certification. The donation marks the second time Coinbase has worked with Bird on a philanthropic project. The first was a collaboration on an educational series that introduces people to the basics and benefits of the growing crypto economy. “According to the National Science Board, we are not producing enough STEM workers to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century. This donation will play a small role in helping us shift this trend,” Director of Partnerships and Strategic Growth at Techbridge Girls Casi Herrera said in a statement.