In the world of sports, a select group of athletes rise to the pinnacle not just because of their exceptional skills but also because of their ability to monetize their talents on a global scale. The year 2024 has seen some familiar names dominate the list of the highest-paid athletes, with earnings that reflect their prowess both on and off the field. This article takes you on an in-depth journey into the financial world of the richest athletes on the planet, exploring who they are, what they earn, and how they make their fortunes.
The Top 50 Highest-Paid Athletes of 2024
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer
Total Earnings: $260 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $200 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $60 M
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be a towering figure in global sports, topping the list of the highest-paid athletes. His lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has significantly bolstered his on-the-field earnings. Off the field, Ronaldo’s extensive brand endorsements, including deals with Nike, Clear, and his CR7 brand, contribute to his massive fortune.
2. Jon Rahm – Golf
Total Earnings: $218 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $198 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $20 M
Golf prodigy Jon Rahm has seen a meteoric rise in his earnings, thanks to his exceptional performance on the golf course. His victories in major tournaments have catapulted him to the second spot among the richest athletes in the world. His off-the-field income is also growing, with endorsements from companies like Callaway and Rolex.
3. Lionel Messi – Soccer
Total Earnings: $135 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $65 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $70 M
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, remains a dominant force in the sports world. His move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) brought a new dimension to his career, influencing both his on-the-field and off-the-field earnings. Messi’s endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and his own Messi brand keep him among the best-paid athletes in the world.
4. LeBron James – Basketball
Total Earnings: $128.2 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $48.2 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $80 M
LeBron James, the king of basketball, is not only one of the richest athletes but also a business mogul. His earnings extend far beyond his NBA salary, with significant income from his media company SpringHill, endorsements with Nike, and various business ventures.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Basketball
Total Earnings: $111 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $46 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $65 M
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, has become a household name in the NBA and the global sports market. His substantial earnings come from his performance on the court and his lucrative endorsement deals, including his signature shoe line with Nike.
6. Kylian Mbappé – Soccer
Total Earnings: $110 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $90 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $20 M
Kylian Mbappé, one of soccer’s brightest young stars, continues to climb the ranks of the highest-paid athletes. His performances for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team have solidified his status, while his growing brand partnerships, including with Nike and Hublot, add to his wealth.
7. Neymar – Soccer
Total Earnings: $108 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $80 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $28 M
Neymar, known for his flair and skill on the pitch, is another footballer who earns both from his playing contract and extensive endorsements. His deals with Puma, Red Bull, and other brands keep him among the richest athletes in the world.
8. Karim Benzema – Soccer
Total Earnings: $106 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $100 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $6 M
Karim Benzema, the French striker who has been instrumental for both Real Madrid and Al-Ittihad, earns predominantly from his playing contract. However, his brand presence is growing, leading to an increase in off-the-field earnings.
9. Stephen Curry – Basketball
Total Earnings: $102 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $52 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $50 M
Stephen Curry, the NBA’s three-point king, is not just a phenomenal player but also a savvy entrepreneur. His earnings are bolstered by his endorsement deals, including his partnership with Under Armour, and his investments in tech startups.
10. Lamar Jackson – Football
Total Earnings: $100.5 M
On-the-Field Earnings: $98.5 M
Off-the-Field Earnings: $2 M
Lamar Jackson, one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, made headlines with his record-breaking contract. His off-the-field earnings are modest in comparison, but his potential for brand partnerships is on the rise.
| RANK | NAME | SPORT | TOTAL EARNINGS | ON-THE-FIELD EARNINGS | OFF-THE-FIELD EARNINGS |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | $260 M | $200 M | $60 M |
| 2 | Jon Rahm | Golf | $218 M | $198 M | $20 M |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Soccer | $135 M | $65 M | $70 M |
| 4 | LeBron James | Basketball | $128.2 M | $48.2 M | $80 M |
| 5 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Basketball | $111 M | $46 M | $65 M |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappé | Soccer | $110 M | $90 M | $20 M |
| 7 | Neymar | Soccer | $108 M | $80 M | $28 M |
| 8 | Karim Benzema | Soccer | $106 M | $100 M | $6 M |
| 9 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | $102 M | $52 M | $50 M |
| 10 | Lamar Jackson | Football | $100.5 M | $98.5 M | $2 M |
| 11 | Joe Burrow | Football | $100 M | $96 M | $4 M |
| 12 | Kevin Durant | Basketball | $93.3 M | $47.8 M | $45.5 M |
| 13 | Shohei Ohtani | Baseball | $85.3 M | $25.3 M | $60 M |
| 14 | Canelo Alvarez | Boxing | $85 M | $75 M | $10 M |
| 15 | Patrick Mahomes | Football | $84.4 M | $59.4 M | $25 M |
| 16 | Anthony Joshua | Boxing | $83 M | $75 M | $8 M |
| 17 | Max Verstappen | Auto Racing | $81 M | $76 M | $5 M |
| 18 | Aaron Rodgers | Football | $80.8 M | $71.8 M | $9 M |
| 19 | Rory McIlroy | Golf | $80.1 M | $35.1 M | $45 M |
| 20 | Justin Herbert | Football | $78.7 M | $67.7 M | $11 M |
| 21 | Lewis Hamilton | Auto Racing | $69 M | $57 M | $12 M |
| 22 | Nick Bosa | Football | $68 M | $66.5 M | $1.5 M |
| 23 | Tiger Woods | Golf | $67.2 M | $12.2 M | $55 M |
| 24 | Kirk Cousins | Football | $62.5 M | $60 M | $2.5 M |
| 25 | Klay Thompson | Basketball | $62.3 M | $43.3 M | $19 M |
| 26 | Damian Lillard | Basketball | $61.9 M | $45.9 M | $16 M |
| 27 | Erling Haaland | Soccer | $61 M | $46 M | $15 M |
| 28 | Max Scherzer | Baseball | $59.9 M | $58.9 M | $1 M |
| 29 | Scottie Scheffler | Golf | $59.2 M | $39.2 M | $20 M |
| 30 | Joel Embiid | Basketball | $57.7 M | $47.7 M | $10 M |
| 31 | Jimmy Butler | Basketball | $57.5 M | $45.5 M | $12 M |
| 32 | Nikola Jokic | Basketball | $56.1 M | $48.1 M | $8 M |
| 33 | James Harden | Basketball | $55.8 M | $35.8 M | $20 M |
| 34 | Luka Doncic | Basketball | $55.1 M | $40.1 M | $15 M |
| 35 | Bradley Beal | Basketball | $54.3 M | $46.8 M | $7.5 M |
| 36 | Chris Jones | Football | $54.1 M | $53.1 M | $1 M |
| 37 | Kawhi Leonard | Basketball | $53.7 M | $45.7 M | $8 M |
| 38 | Mohamed Salah | Soccer | $53 M | $35 M | $18 M |
| 39 | Paul George | Basketball | $52.7 M | $45.7 M | $7 M |
| 40 | Sadio Mané | Soccer | $52 M | $48 M | $4 M |
| 41 | Brian Burns | Football | $51.7 M | $51.5 M | $0.2 M |
| 42 | Tyson Fury | Boxing | $50 M | $42 M | $8 M |
| 43 | Cameron Smith | Golf | $48 M | $44 M | $4 M |
| 44 | Trae Young | Basketball | $47.3 M | $40.3 M | $7 M |
| 45 | Deshaun Watson | Football | $47 M | $46 M | $1 M |
| 46 | Rashan Gary | Football | $46.8 M | $46.5 M | $0.3 M |
| 47 | Anthony Davis | Basketball | $46.2 M | $41.2 M | $5 M |
| 48 | Zion Williamson | Basketball | $46.1 M | $34.1 M | $12 M |
| 49 | Jayson Tatum | Basketball | $45.9 M | $32.9 M | $13 M |
| 50 | Devin Booker | Basketball | $45.2 M | $36.2 M | $9 M |
The Rise of Earnings Beyond the Field
The trend among the highest-paid athletes is clear: on-the-field performance is no longer the sole source of income. Modern athletes are leveraging their fame to build businesses, endorse products, and invest in various industries, resulting in substantial off-the-field earnings. For instance, LeBron James’ ventures into media and Ronaldo’s expansive CR7 brand exemplify how athletes are transforming into global entrepreneurs.
Emerging Sports Stars and Their Financial Impact
While established names like Ronaldo, Messi, and LeBron continue to dominate the earnings charts, new stars are emerging, particularly in sports like golf and football. Jon Rahm’s rise in golf is a testament to how success in tournaments can catapult an athlete’s earning potential. Similarly, Lamar Jackson’s contract in the NFL has set a new benchmark for football players.
The Role of Endorsements and Media Presence
Endorsements play a crucial role in determining the financial standing of athletes. Companies are willing to pay top dollar to associate their brands with athletes who have a significant media presence and fan following. Athletes like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have successfully built brands that resonate with a global audience, making them invaluable to advertisers.
Conclusion: The Future of Athlete Earnings
The landscape of athlete earnings is evolving, with off-the-field ventures playing an increasingly significant role. As athletes continue to build their brands and explore new revenue streams, the list of the richest athletes in the world is likely to see even more diversification in the coming years.
Also, don’t forget to check out our blog post on The Top 10 Richest Bollywood Actors in The Indian Film Industry.
Source: Forbes – World’s Highest-Paid Athletes 2024
FAQs: Understanding the Earnings of the Richest Athletes
How are the earnings of the highest-paid athletes calculated?
The earnings include both on-the-field income, such as salaries, bonuses, and winnings, and off-the-field income, which comes from endorsements, licensing, appearances, and other business ventures.
Who is the richest athlete in the world in 2024?
As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot as the highest-paid athlete with total earnings of $260 million.
What sports are most represented in the list of the highest-paid athletes?
Soccer, basketball, and football are the most represented sports, with athletes from these fields consistently ranking among the top earners.
Why do some athletes earn more off the field than on it?
Athletes with significant media presence, global fan bases, and marketable personalities often attract lucrative endorsement deals, which can surpass their on-the-field earnings.
How do young athletes like Kylian Mbappé and Jon Rahm make it to the top of the earnings list?
Exceptional talent, early success in their respective sports, and strategic brand partnerships contribute to their rapid financial rise.
