In the thrilling world of sports, where talent, dedication, and passion converge, a select group of extraordinary athletes have risen to the pinnacle of success, both on and off the field. These individuals are not only champions in their respective sports but also masters of their financial domain, earning astounding figures that defy imagination. They are the ultimate game changers, inspiring millions with their prowess and captivating the world with their charisma. Join us on a journey to discover the world’s top-earning athletes, where talent meets fortune, and dreams become reality. Brace yourself for a glimpse into the lives of these sporting legends who have conquered the hearts of fans and the heights of financial success.
World’s Top-Earning Athletes
#1 • $136 million: Cristiano Ronaldo
After leaving Manchester United, Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia has been a game-changer. With an estimated annual playing salary of $75 million, he’s now the world’s highest-paid athlete, thanks to new marketing opportunities in his new home. The rumors of a potential European return only add to the excitement! But that’s not all – Ronaldo’s popularity is unmatched, with a staggering 850 million followers on social media, making him the most followed athlete globally. His endorsement deals keep pouring in, with Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange, being the latest addition to his impressive sponsor list. Setting an all-time high for a soccer player, Ronaldo’s total earnings reached an incredible $136 million, including his off-field income of approximately $90 million in the past year. He joins the elite club of athletes, alongside legends like Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Conor McGregor, who have achieved such remarkable financial success.
#2 • $130 million: Lionel Messi
Messi’s future is a matter of much speculation, with rumors flying that he could return to Barcelona, or join Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, or even land in MLS with Inter Miami. His bank account should be safe regardless. His earnings total matches his big number from the last two editions of the list, and he has a long list of lucrative endorsements, including Adidas, Budweiser and PepsiCo. Messi’s deal with Socios, a blockchain-based fan platform, alone pays him an estimated $20 million a year, and the opportunities should keep coming after he led Argentina to a World Cup victory in December. He also launched an investment firm called Play Time in October.
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#3 • $120 million: Kylian Mbappé
From No. 35 to the top ten on the earnings list, Kylian Mbappé’s ascent in the sports world is nothing short of impressive, and he’s the only member in the top ten still under 30. As the highest-paid soccer player, his skills are unquestionably justified, coming close to securing a second consecutive World Cup title with France in 2022 and narrowly finishing behind Lionel Messi for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award. Adding to his achievements, Mbappé became Sorare’s first player ambassador in June, collaborating with the cryptocurrency-based fantasy game.
His influence grew further during a dispute with the French Football Federation, where he refused to participate in a photo shoot with the national team due to concerns about endorsing certain brands under contract. In response, the federation swiftly pledged to revise its agreement on players’ image rights. Mbappé’s journey is a testament to his talent, influence, and unwavering commitment to making a mark on and off the field.
#4 • $119.5 million: LeBron James
Today’s top athletes are also successful founders and investors, and perhaps no one embodies that entrepreneurial spirit better than James, who became the first active athlete to be certified a billionaire by Forbes in June. On top of his impressive endorsement portfolio, the Los Angeles Lakers forward is behind sports nutrition company Ladder and the SpringHill Company, which develops and produces TV and other entertainment content, and he was a producer on its 2023 film House Party, which was set at his mansion.
He also has a stake in Fenway Sports Group—owner of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC and the Pittsburgh Penguins—and he recently invested in a Major League Pickleball team while proclaiming his desire to someday own an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. James was an early backer of Lobos 1707 tequila and over the last year has invested in Canyon Bicycles, climate-conscious dairy company Neutral Foods and sports apparel brand Mitchell & Ness.
#5 • $110 million: Canelo Álvarez
Álvarez collects tens of millions of dollars every time he steps in the ring, scoring big with blockbuster fights against Dmitry Bivol and Gennadiy Golovkin over the last 12 months. (The Forbes list runs through May 1, meaning the upcoming payday from his May 6 bout with John Ryder is not included here.) Álvarez has a relatively slim list of traditional endorsements for an athlete of his stature, partnering with Hennessy and Michelob Ultra, but he signed with Excel Sports Management in September to build out his marketing deals, and he is active as an entrepreneur. The boxer is behind sports drink maker Yaoca, fitness app I Can and gas station chain Canelo Energy, and he has his own clothing line and branded credit card. In September, he launched VMC, a canned cocktail brand.
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