The world’s 10 best-paid athletes

Sports teams and businesses worldwide are experiencing unprecedented growth. Leagues such as the English Premier League, NBA, and NFL are now attracting international attention, while tennis, Formula 1, and golf have garnered a dedicated global following. 

As a result, television viewership numbers are soaring, participation has never been higher, and sponsorship deals are reaching record figures.

Unsurprisingly, superstar athletes are reaping substantial financial rewards. However, it’s not just their on-field performance that boosts their income. High media rights fees and increasingly lucrative off-field opportunities have significantly impacted earnings for years.

The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes

1. Cristiano Ronaldo / $260 million The 39-year-old Portuguese football star tops the list for the fourth time. Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr secured him the most lucrative contract in sports history. Even without his on-field success, Ronaldo’s advertising and sponsorship revenue alone would place him near the top of this list. His wealth ensures that his descendants will likely never have to work a day in their lives.

 

2. Jon Rahm / $218 million Golfer Jon Rahm is a surprising name on this list, having joined LIV Golf last December. His decision to join the Saudi-backed tournament brought him a guaranteed $350 million, even though he hasn’t won a LIV event yet. Rahm has already earned $6.6 million from seven tournaments in 2024, which would place him sixth on the PGA Tour’s official money list for the season. Additionally, he was named captain of LIV’s 13th team, Legion XIII, a title that comes with a significant equity share in the league’s franchises.

 

3. Lionel Messi / $135 million After leaving European football for Inter Miami in 2023, Messi signed a new $100 million annual contract. With over 500 million Instagram followers, Messi leverages his influence to promote brands like Adidas, Budweiser, Pepsi, and Air Europa, earning substantial sums for his endorsements.

 

4. LeBron James / $128.2 million The future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers is uncertain after another disappointing playoff exit. The four-time MVP has a player option worth $51.4 million with the team but has expressed a desire to play with his son Bronny, who declared for the NBA draft. James might make his final Olympic appearance as the US team aims for gold in Paris this summer. He also added a partnership with DraftKings and invested in PGA Tour Enterprises, marking his transition from NBA to other ventures.

 

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo / $111 million Known as the “Greek Freak,” Antetokounmpo is among the world’s best basketball players, with two MVP awards and leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021. Beyond basketball, he launched a production company in January, secured a partnership with Pepsi’s Starry soda in February, and will release his sixth signature shoe with Nike later this year.

 

6. Kylian Mbappe / $110 million The French footballer rejected numerous offers from Europe’s top clubs and the deep pockets of Middle Eastern teams to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. Mbappe’s off-field earnings, including a production company collaborating with the NBA and deals with Nike, Hublot, and Oakley, make him one of the highest-earning footballers globally.

 

7. Neymar / $108 million Neymar’s lucrative move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia included perks like a private jet and a mansion. Despite an ACL injury in a World Cup qualifier, he signed new endorsement deals, launched a new football boot with Puma, and developed a cocktail and mocktail line with Fun Brands.

 

8. Karim Benzema / $106 million Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. His first season with the Saudi Pro League team was marred by injuries, but he returned to Real Madrid’s clinic for treatment. With $106 million, his medical expenses are well covered.

 

9. Stephen Curry / $102 million Curry may not be the highest-paid NBA player on this list, but he has the largest contract, earning $75 million annually. His endorsement deals with Under Armour, Nissan, Sony, Chase, and JP Morgan further boost his income.

 

10. Lamar Jackson / $100.5 million The NFL player rounds out the top ten with a $72.5 million bonus from his new contract with the Baltimore Ravens, negotiated without an agent. Jackson also collaborates with Oakley and StatusPro, owns several businesses, including a soul food restaurant and a clothing line called Era 8.