Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous Portuguese footballer, has once again claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2024. His total income is estimated to be a whopping $260 million, with a significant portion coming from his $200 million annual salary from his club, Al Nassr, in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo’s immense popularity on Instagram also plays a crucial role in his earnings, as he is the most-followed account on the platform. Moreover, his endorsement deals with major companies like Binance, Erakulis, Nike, Herbalife, Clear Haircare, and Whoop further contribute to his financial success.
In the world of golf, Jon Rahm has solidified his position as the second-highest-paid athlete in 2024. With 20 professional victories under his belt, Rahm recently signed a lucrative deal with LIV Golf, earning him a staggering $350 million. He also has a 25% ownership stake in LIV and has been appointed as the captain of Legion XIII, LIV’s 13th team, further boosting his earnings.
Lionel Messi, another prominent figure in soccer, secured a profitable sponsorship deal with Royal Caribbean after his move to Inter Miami. His off-field earnings, supported by sponsors like Adidas, Apple, and Konami, amount to a remarkable $70 million, showcasing his consistent presence among the highest-paid athletes globally.
LeBron James, a basketball legend playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to impress both on and off the court. With numerous accolades, including four NBA championships, two Olympic medals, and the title of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James expanded his portfolio by partnering with DraftKings in January.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a standout power forward in basketball, has not only clinched two NBA MVP titles but has also ventured into the entertainment industry with his production company debut. His partnership with Pepsi’s Starry soft drink and the upcoming release of his sixth signature sneaker with Nike further solidify his position as one of the top-earning athletes in 2024.
Kylian Mbappé’s paycheck from Paris Saint-Germain, amounting to $1.3 billion, has significantly boosted his earnings, making him one of the top-earning footballers globally. Additionally, his off-field ventures, including collaborations with major brands like Nike, Hublot, and Oakley, further contribute to his financial success.
Neymar Jr., after making a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, secured a substantial salary package and endorsement deals with brands like Skims, Puma, and Fun Brands, placing him in the seventh spot among the highest-paid athletes in 2024.
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, joined Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad in 2023, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid athletes globally in 2024.
Stephen Curry, known as one of the NBA’s all-time greats, has an annual off-court income of $50 million. His recent partnership with Under Armour and the expansion of the Curry Brand have further boosted his earnings, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes.
Lamar Jackson, a 27-year-old NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens, secured a spot in Forbes’ top ten highest-paid athletes for 2024. His $72.5 million signing bonus and various business ventures, including collaborations with Oakley and StatusPro, showcase his financial success on and off the field.
Overall, these top 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024 have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also leveraged their popularity and business acumen to secure lucrative deals and endorsements, solidifying their positions as some of the wealthiest athletes globally.
