5 athletes putting their money where their mouth is

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) gestures during a press conference following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

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MONACO, MONACO – AUGUST 25: UEFA Best Player in Europe Award winner Christiano Ronaldo during a press conference during the ECF Season Kick Off 2016/17 on August 25, 2016 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Harold Cunningham – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) /

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

In 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo was named the world’s most charitable athlete by DoSomething.org. Stories of Ronaldo’s giving spirit are in abundance. Here’s one from Look To The Stars:

"In the Spring of 2014, Ronaldo received a request for a donation of football boots and a shirt to help raise $83,000 for a 10-month-old in need of an operation. Ronaldo not only donated the items, but also paid for the operation."

Ronaldo also donated $165,000 to fund a cancer center in Portugal. He’s the type of dude you like to think you would be, if you were rich. He’s the world’s highest paid athlete, according to Forbes, checking in at $88 million a year and has no problems breaking bread.

Sometimes, we tend to look at those who have more and think “what would it be to them to help out some people in need.” Well, Ronaldo has a long history of doing just that. Every athlete on this list should be applauded for using their platform and resources to raise awareness and give back.

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