Al Nassr standout Cristiano Ronaldo leads Lionel Messi in the latest rankings of the world’s highest-paid athletes, according to reports.
Annually, Forbes publishes its roundup of the highest-earning athletes, and this year’s top 10 list marks a historic milestone.
The sports industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in financial gains, encompassing salaries and sponsorship agreements, benefiting athletes immensely.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey has seen significant changes since he first ascended to the position of the world’s highest-paid athlete eight years ago.
Here’s the list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, according to reports from Forbes as cited by Daily Mail:
10. Lamar Jackson: NFL player Lamar Jackson, who inked a new deal with the Baltimore Ravens last year, ranks tenth. His on-field earnings total $98.5 million, with $2 million off the field, amounting to a total of £79 million ($100.5 million).
9. Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, renowned as one of basketball’s premier shooters, secures ninth place. His earnings comprise £81 million ($102 million), with over $52 million from on-court endeavors and the rest from off-court agreements, including a sponsorship with Under Armour totaling $50 million.
8. Karim Benzema: Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema claims eighth place, with total earnings of £84 million ($106 million). His move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last year significantly contributed to his income, with $100 million from on-field earnings and $6 million off the field.
7. Neymar Jr: Al Hilal’s Neymar ranks seventh, boasting total earnings of ($108 million). His on-field earnings amount to $80 million, with $28 million off the field, derived largely from endorsement deals, such as his personal football boot launch with Puma.
6. Kylian Mbappe: Sixth place goes to Kylian Mbappe, with earnings reaching ($110 million). The PSG star is set to earn $90 million on the field and $20 million off the field, including contracts with Hublot, Oakley, and Nike, with a rumored move to Real Madrid this summer.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo: NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks fifth, with total earnings of $111 million. The Milwaukee Bucks’ star earns $46 million on the field and $65 million off the field, including revenue from his production firm and upcoming signature shoe release with Nike.
4. LeBron James: LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, claims fourth place on the Forbes list, with total earnings of ($128.2 million). While earning $48.2 million on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, the majority of his income, $80 million, comes from sources outside basketball, including endorsements with Nike and DraftKings.
3. Lionel Messi: Third place goes to Lionel Messi, with earnings totaling ($135 million). His move to Inter Miami last year has opened up commercial opportunities, with $65 million from on-field earnings and $70 million off the field, including upcoming ventures like his sports drink collaboration.
2. Jon Rahm: Spanish golfer Jon Rahm rises to second place on the list, with earnings of ($218 million). Rahm’s on-field earnings amount to $198 million, with $20 million off the field, including a new deal with LIV Golf and earnings from PGA Tour events.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Forbes list, earning $260 million this year, securing the top spot for the fourth time. His staggering earnings include $200 million on the field with Al-Nassr and $60 million off the field, with endorsements from Nike, Herbalife, and Whoop.
This latest ranking reflects the ever-evolving landscape of sports economics and the remarkable financial achievements of athletes globally.
