Close to five decades ago, the ever-evolving world of sports was merely an emerging field of employment. In the 21st century; the entertainment industry that also features sports is one of the most paying fields. Here are the top-paid sports in 2024 according to Forbes
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugue $260 Million: 39 Years
The five-time ballon d’Or winner currently reigns as the highest-paid athlete of 2024 with estimated total earnings of $260 million, marking an all-time high for a soccer player. His on-field earnings amount to $200 million, complemented by an additional $60 million from off-field endorsements and sponsorships.
Ronaldo’s lucrative $200 million annual salary with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League underscores his exceptional value, as he leads the league with 33 goals and garners Player of the Month honors. Moreover, his enduring appeal to sponsors is evident through partnerships with brands like Binance, Nike, and Herbalife, among others, amplified to his massive Instagram following of 629 million. Ronaldo’s financial prowess extends further with a $10.5 million owed by his former club, Juventus, following an arbitrator’s ruling on outstanding wages amid the Covid-19 pandemic pay cut.
2. Jon Rahm $218 Million: 29 Years
Spanish golfer Rahm’s strategic move to join LIV Golf in December proved immensely profitable, with reported guarantees totaling $350 million from the Saudi-backed tour. Despite not clinching a LIV event victory yet, Rahm’s earnings soared to $6.6 million from seven tournaments in 2024, placing him impressively sixth on the PGA Tour’s official money list as of May 13. Additionally, Rahm’s appointment as captain of LIV’s 13th team, Legion XIII, not only adds prestige but also potentially grants him a 25% equity stake in the league’s franchises.
Rahm earns $198 on-field annually and $20 off-field endorsements totaling up to $218 million annually
3. Lionel Messi $135 Million: 36 Years
Argentinian soccer legend Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has brought about a remarkable transformation for the club, boosting ticket sales, orchestrating a global preseason tour, and securing lucrative sponsorships such as the historic deal with Royal Caribbean. Inter Miami’s value has skyrocketed to $1.03 billion, making it the second-most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer, with revenue projections set to surpass $200 million in 2024.
Meanwhile, Messi’s on-field performance has been stellar, with 10 goals in his first nine matches and a record-breaking five assists in a single game. Off the field, Messi continues to expand his sponsorship portfolio, recently adding Lowe’s to his impressive list of partners, which includes Adidas, Apple, and Konami, while also venturing into the beverage industry with plans to launch his own sports drink in the coming summer.
Lionel Messi surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo off-field endorsements by $10 annually. Currently, Messi earns $70 off the field and $65 on the field.
4. Lebron James $128.2 Million: 39 years
Basketball icon LeBron James, representing the United States, commands a hefty on-field salary of $48.2 million, complemented by an impressive off-field earning of $80 million. Amid speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers, James, a four-time MVP, faces decisions regarding his player option and a desire to play alongside his son, Bronny.
Among the top four most-paid sportsmen in the whole world, Lebron James is the highest off-field earner with a whopping $80 annually. This surpasses Messi by $10 and Cristiano Ronaldo by $20.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo $111 Million: 29 Years
Greek basketball sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo boasts a substantial on-field earning of $46 million, complemented by a robust off-field income of $65 million. Despite a challenging season marked by injury and playoff disappointment with the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo’s off-court ventures thrive, highlighted by the launch of his production company, a partnership with Pepsi’s Starry soft drink, and the upcoming release of his sixth signature sneaker with Nike, showcasing his growing influence beyond the basketball court.
Giannis is the second highest-paid sportsman under 30 years in the whole world.
6. Kylian Mbappé $110 Million: 25 Years
French soccer prodigy Kylian Mbappé commands a significant on-field salary of $90 million, alongside a lucrative off-field income of $20 million. As he prepares to depart Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid, ending PSG’s super-team era, Mbappé’s off-field ventures thrive with his production company partnering with the NBA and lucrative deals with Nike, Hublot, and Oakley, highlighting his multifaceted success beyond the football pitch.
Details of Mbappe’s expected Madrid salary have not yet been confirmed but there is speculation that his salary might drop. Mbappe is the youngest highest paid sportmans in the whole world.
7. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior $108 Million: 32 Years
Brazilian soccer sensation Neymar boasts a substantial on-field salary of $80 million, complemented by a notable off-field income of $28 million. Despite a challenging start at Al Hilal due to injury, Neymar’s off-field ventures flourish with new endorsement deals, including Skims, collaborations with Puma for soccer boots, and a partnership with Fun Brands to develop his own line of cocktails and mocktails, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit beyond the football pitch.
8. Karim Benzema $108 Million: 36 Years
French soccer star Karim Benzema, a one-time Ballon d’Or winner in 2022, commands a significant on-field salary of $100 million, complemented by a modest off-field income of $6 million. Despite his move to Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad, motivated by personal reasons, Benzema’s first season has been marred by health issues, leading him to return to Real Madrid’s clinic under the supervision of his former doctor in Spain, as reported by ESPN
Karim Benzema is the second highest-paid French man only second to Kylan Mbappe.
9. Stephen Curry $102 Million: 36 Years
United States basketball sensation Stephen Curry boasts a significant on-field earning of $52 million, complemented by a substantial off-field income of $50 million. Second only to LeBron James among American sportsmen, Curry’s sharpshooting prowess continues to shine on the court, leading the NBA in three-pointers and securing a spot on Team USA’s Olympic roster.
Off the court, Curry’s influence expands with lucrative endorsements, including a new deal with Under Armour, and ventures such as the Curry Brand, which now features collaborations with other basketball talents and his foray into acting with an upcoming mockumentary series ordered by Peacock.
Lamar Jackson 100.5 Million: 27 Years
United States football sensation Lamar Jackson secures his place as the highest-paid American football player with a staggering on-field payment of $98.5 million, propelled by a remarkable $72.5 million signing bonus negotiated independently. Celebrating his success on the field, Jackson clinches his second NFL MVP award after leading the Baltimore Ravens to a stellar season.
Off the field, Jackson diversifies his earnings through partnerships with Oakley and StatusPro, alongside his ownership of multiple businesses spanning from soul food restaurants to record labels, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit beyond the gridiron.
Lamar is the second youngest athlete on this list.
