Cristiano Ronaldo loses Europe’s best-paid celebrity crown to Harry Potter author

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been knocked off his perch as the top-paid European celebrity by Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

The former Manchester United man, who is the current Ballon d'Or holder and favourite to lift the prestigious individual award once again this year, is reported by Forbes to earn $93 million during 2017, $2m less than Rowling.

He is one of three footballers to command a place in the top 20, with club-mate Gareth Bale worth $34m and Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is currently battling his way back from a serious knee problem, with $32m.

The upper part of the list is dominated by musicians, notably Adele, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Calvin Harris, with a smattering of sportsmen as well as celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey.

Here's the top 20:

JK Rowling 
Cristiano Ronaldo 
Coldplay  
Adele 
Roger Federer 
Elton John 
Gordon Ramsey 
Paul McCartney 
Rory McIlroy 
Calvin Harris

UCJ, UNILORIN.