Forbes: The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the top spot on Forbes’ ranking of the highest-earning athletes for the fourth time in his career, with Spanish golfer Jon Rahm advancing to second place after his remarkable transition to Saudi-supported LIV Golf.

Following his transfer to the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Ronaldo move up to the position of the world’s highest-earning athlete. According to Forbes, his estimated total income reached approximately $260 million, setting a new record for a football player.

His on-field earnings amounted to $200 million while his off-field earnings were $60 million thanks to sponsorship deals where brands make use of his 629 million Instagram followers.

Rahm, a two-time major champion, made headlines in December by joining LIV Golf in a lucrative deal rumored to be worth a minimum of $300 million, causing a stir in the world of sports.

In addition to the guaranteed amount, Rahm has accumulated $218 million in earnings, making him one of just two athletes, alongside Ronaldo, to surpass the $200 million mark.

Third on the list is record eight-times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, who made a lucrative switch to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, helping the Argentine World Cup winner earn $135 million.

At 36 years old, he has generated $65 million through on-field earnings and an additional $70 million off the field, largely attributed to lucrative partnerships with major brands like Adidas and Apple.

LeBron James, the Los Angeles forward, ranks fourth with earnings totaling $128.2 million. Despite being 39 years old and approaching the conclusion of his career, he holds the distinction of being the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career points and is preparing for a final opportunity to compete in the Olympics.

In fifth place is fellow NBA standout Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, with earnings totaling $111 million. Following closely behind in sixth is France’s football captain, Kylian Mbappe, whose earnings have dipped to $110 million.

After seven successful years in the French capital, where he became Paris St-Germain’s all-time leading scorer, Kylain Mbappe has announced his departure. The 25-year-old is anticipated to make a move to the Spanish giant Real Madrid during the upcoming season.

Former PSG star Neymar, who also moved to the Saudi Pro League to join Al Hilal, is seventh ($108 million) despite sitting out the majority of the season with a torn ACL.

French striker Karim Benzema, who recently transferred to Saudi Arabia, ranks eighth on the list with earnings of $106 million, just behind him is Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry who earned $102 million.

Lamar Jackson is the only NFL player to make the list, securing the 10th spot with earnings of $100.5 million, largely attributed to the signing bonus negotiated into his new Baltimore Ravens contract last year.