Global Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes
No. 1 • $260M
Cristiano Ronaldo
On-Field: $200 million | Off-Field: $60 million | Portugal | Soccer | 39 years old
Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete for the fourth time after earning $260 million, a soccer player record. He earns $200 million annually with Al Nassr, which seems like a good investment for the Saudi Pro League club. The 39-year-old forward led the league with 33 goals and was Player of the Month in August, September, December, and March. He still promotes his sponsors, including Binance and Erakulis, to his 629 million Instagram followers, Nike, Herbalife, Clear Haircare, and, most recently, Whoop. After being liable for earnings from a COVID-19 pandemic salary cut, Ronaldo is due $10.5 million from his former club.
No. 2 • $218M
Jon Rahm
Off-Field: $20 million | Nationality: Spain | Sport: Golf | Age: 29
Rahm’s December move to LIV Golf has been lucrative, even without the $350 million guarantee he received from the Saudi-backed tour.
As of May 13, the Spaniard ranks sixth on the PGA Tour’s money ranking with $6.6 million from seven tournaments. Rahm was also named captain of Legion XIII, LIV’s 13th team, which normally comes with a 25% stock stake.
No. 3 • $135M
Lionel Messi
On-Field: $65 million | Off-Field: $70 million | Argentina | Soccer | 36 years old
Messi has transformed Inter Miami, boosting ticket sales, launching an unprecedented global preseason tour, and securing huge sponsorships, including the most valuable jersey deal in MLS history with Royal Caribbean. Forbes thinks Inter Miami is the second-most valuable Major League Soccer franchise at $1.03 billion, and the team expects revenues to rise from $118 million in 2023 to over $200 million this year. Messi is performing as advertised. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 10 goals in his first nine matches this season and became the first MLS player with five assists. Messi’s off-field sponsors include Adidas, Apple, and Konami. He may also introduce a sports drink with White Claw Hard Seltzer this summer.
No.4 • $128.2M
LeBron James
On-Field: $48.2 million | Off-Field: $80 million | US | Basketball | Age: 39
After another heartbreaking playoff elimination, James’ future with the Lakers is uncertain. The four-time MVP has a $51.4 million player option with the franchise, according to Spotrac, but he wants to play with his eldest son, Bronny, who declared for the NBA Draft while still in college. James will likely make his last Olympic appearance in Paris this summer as Team USA seeks gold. To prepare for life beyond the NBA, James partnered with DraftKings in January and joined other celebrities in investing in PGA Tour Enterprises.
No. 5 • $111M
Gianis Antetokounmpo
On-Field: $46 million | Off-Field: $65 million | Greek | Basketball | 29 years old
After a calf injury interrupted his turbulent season, which included a midseason coaching change and a first-round playoff defeat, Antetokounmpo is recovering. His star grows off the court. Antetokounmpo created a production company in January, partnered with Pepsi’s Starry soft drink in February, and will release his sixth Nike sneaker later this year.
No. 6 • $110M
Kylian Mbappé
In 2024, Kylian Mbappe was the highest-paid athlete in France, earning $90 million on-field and $20 million off-field. He is 25 years old and plays soccer.
PSG’s $1.3 billion super-team experiment will end when 25-year-old Mbappé joins Real Madrid next season, fulfilling his childhood goal. Mbappé helped PSG win six of seven Ligue 1 titles, but they never won the Champions League. Win or lose, he’s active outside soccer. Mbappé’s 2022 production company features Nike, Hublot, Oakley, and NBA partnerships.
No.7 • $108M
Neymar Junior
On-Field: $80 million | Off-Field: $28 million | Brazil | Soccer | 32 years old
Neymar reportedly received a compensation deal with benefits like a private jet, a fleet of luxury cars, and a fully staffed mansion to join Al Hilal last year. But his term began poorly. The Brazilian star tore his ACL in a World Cup qualification match in October, terminating his Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League season with five games. Despite that, Neymar has signed fresh endorsements. After the injury, he signed Skims, released a Puma soccer footwear, and created a drink and mocktail line with Fun Brands.
No.8 • $106M
Karim Benzema
On-Field: $100 million | Off-Field: $6 million | France | Soccer | 36 years old
On a free transfer last year, 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema joined Al Ittihad from Real Madrid. “As a Muslim, when you are in Mecca you feel at peace,” he remarked in an official league interview, explaining his decision. According to ESPN, he’s returned to Real Madrid’s clinic under his previous doctor after a difficult first season with Al Ittihad.
No.9 • $102M
Stephen Curry
American | Basketball | 36 years old | On-Field: $52 million | Off-Field: $50 million
Curry led the NBA with 357 three-pointers this season and made Team USA’s Olympic squad. stretch year, he signed a new deal with Under Armour that will stretch till retirement, vesting $75 million in equity in equal payments between 2029 and 2034. The Curry Brand added Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox in October and South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley in November. Curry is also doing more acting, co-starring in a Peacock-ordered mockumentary.
No.10 • $100.5M
Lamar Jackson
On-Field: $98.5 million | Off-Field: $2 million | US | Football | Age: 27
Lamar Jackson’s $72.5 million signing bonus from his Baltimore Ravens contract last year, which he negotiated as his own agent, puts him in the top 10. The 27-year-old quarterback won his second NFL MVP after leading the Ravens to a 13-4 record and an AFC Central title. Jackson works with Oakley and StatusPro, creators of NFL Pro Era VR, off the field. He operates a soul food restaurant, production firm, record label, and Era 8 apparel line.
CREDIT: MART.ALLSCHOOLABS, FORBS
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