Highest Paid Athletes 2024

Athletes at the top of their game aren’t just competitors in their respective sports—they’re also some of the wealthiest individuals globally. From soccer icons to basketball superstars, athletes earn staggering amounts from both their on-field performances and off-field endorsements. In this article, we’ll explore the top 50 highest-paid athletes in the world, focusing on their total earnings, the breakdown of on-the-field and off-the-field income, and the countries they represent. To start, here is a bar chart that visualizes the earnings of the top 10 highest-paid athletes.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $260M (Soccer, Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid athlete in the world with a staggering $260 million in earnings. His move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr drastically increased his on-the-field earnings to $200 million, the highest of any athlete. Beyond his soccer salary, Ronaldo continues to be a global marketing icon. His off-the-field income of $60 million comes from endorsements with global brands such as Nike and Herbalife, as well as his own CR7 clothing and fragrance lines. This combination of sports success and business savvy keeps Ronaldo at the pinnacle of both football and global wealth.

2. Jon Rahm – $218M (Golf, Spain)

Jon Rahm’s monumental earnings of $218 million came as a shock to many, with the majority of his income, $198 million, earned from the LIV Golf series. This unprecedented earning power in golf catapulted Rahm into the second-highest-paid athlete spot. He also secured $20 million from endorsements and sponsorships with luxury brands like Callaway and Rolex. Rahm’s rapid ascent is a testament to the lucrative potential of the LIV Golf league and his dominance in the sport, making him a top earner in an increasingly competitive field.

3. Lionel Messi – $135M (Soccer, Argentina)

Lionel Messi earned a total of $135 million this year, marking another successful chapter in his legendary career. His on-the-field earnings, totaling $65 million, stem primarily from his recent move to Inter Miami after a celebrated career at Paris Saint-Germain. Off the field, Messi secured $70 million through sponsorship deals with brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. His status as one of the most marketable athletes globally, coupled with his soccer success, ensures that Messi remains among the top-earning athletes, even as his career transitions into new territories.

4. LeBron James – $128.2M (Basketball, USA)

LeBron James continues to dominate not just basketball but the global earnings leaderboard, with a total of $128.2 million. While his on-court salary from the LA Lakers stands at $48.2 million, it’s his off-the-court ventures that have truly set him apart. Earning $80 million off the court, LeBron has diversified into business and media with investments in companies like Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Entertainment, and his lifetime Nike endorsement deal. His savvy business moves have made him one of the richest and most influential athletes of all time.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111M (Basketball, Greece)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” secured his place among the highest-paid athletes, earning $111 million this year. Of that, $46 million comes from his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he remains one of the NBA’s biggest stars. Off the court, Giannis raked in $65 million through lucrative deals with Nike and other major endorsements. His continued rise in the NBA, combined with his marketability, has made Giannis a global superstar and a dominant financial force in the sports world.

6. Kylian Mbappé – $110M (Soccer, France)

Kylian Mbappé’s $110 million earnings in 2024 make him one of the world’s highest-paid and youngest athletes. His on-the-field income of $90 million comes from his performances with Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. Mbappé is also a marketing sensation, adding another $20 million to his earnings through endorsements with brands like Nike and EA Sports. With his electrifying talent and growing global appeal, Mbappé is poised to become one of the highest-earning athletes for years to come.

7. Neymar – $108M (Soccer, Brazil)

Neymar, Brazil’s soccer superstar, earned $108 million this year, driven by his move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his on-field earnings reached $80 million. Off the field, Neymar earned an additional $28 million from sponsorship deals with Puma and Red Bull. His flashy style and immense talent have made him one of the most recognizable athletes worldwide. Despite his move away from European football, Neymar’s marketability and earnings remain at an all-time high, keeping him firmly in the top 10.

8. Karim Benzema – $106M (Soccer, France)

Karim Benzema, one of soccer’s most prolific forwards, made headlines with his move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, earning him $100 million on the field. His total earnings of $106 million also include $6 million in endorsements and personal ventures. Benzema’s long and successful career, including a historic tenure at Real Madrid, has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport, and his move to the Middle East significantly bolstered his financial standing.

9. Stephen Curry – $102M (Basketball, USA)

Stephen Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors, earned $102 million this year, thanks to a combination of on-court earnings and off-court ventures. His basketball salary stands at $52 million, while his off-the-court income is equally impressive at $50 million. Curry has partnerships with Under Armour, a production company, and various media projects that contribute significantly to his wealth. As a two-time MVP and a cultural icon, Curry continues to be one of the most marketable athletes in the world.

10. Lamar Jackson – $100.5M (Football, USA)

Lamar Jackson rounds out the top 10 with total earnings of $100.5 million, largely driven by his record-breaking contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. His on-the-field earnings of $98.5 million reflect his value as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Off the field, Jackson earned $2 million from endorsements and business ventures. As one of the league’s most dynamic players, Jackson’s earning power continues to grow, making him a key figure in American football.

Top 50 Highest Paid Athletes in the World

These athletes exemplify how success in sports can translate into enormous financial gain. Their total earnings are a combination of talent, brand appeal, and shrewd business ventures, both on and off the field. From Ronaldo to Lamar Jackson, athletes from different sports and countries have shown that they can dominate not only their games but also the business world. The earning potential for these elite athletes continues to grow year after year, proving that sports are one of the most lucrative professions in the world today.

FAQs

• Who is the highest-paid athlete in 2024?
  • Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in 2024, with total earnings of $260 million.

• Which sport features the most athletes in the top 50 list?
  • Basketball has the most athletes featured in the top 50 highest-paid athletes list.

Source

Forbes – The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes