Record-breaking highest paid athletes list
The annual Forbes list of the highest-paid athletes has made history with its top 10, as each athlete earned over $100 million (£78 million) for the first time.
Their combined earnings amount to a staggering $1.38 billion (£1.03 billion). This financial boom within sports is driven by soaring wages and lucrative endorsements, making athletes significant beneficiaries.
NFL and NBA Stars in the Top 10
Leading the way for NFL stars is Lamar Jackson, ranked 10th with £79 million ($100.5 million). Jackson’s position is largely due to a £57 million signing bonus from the Baltimore Ravens after negotiating his new deal without an agent, keeping the entire bonus for himself.
Basketball’s greatest shooter, Stephen Curry, ranks ninth with £81 million ($102 million). The Golden State Warriors point guard earns just over £41 million from his on-court exploits, with the rest coming from off-the-court deals, including a significant sponsorship with Under Armour.
Footballers Dominate the Middle Rankings
Karim Benzema, in eighth place, is the first footballer on the list with earnings of £84 million ($106 million). His move to Saudi side Al-Ittihad significantly boosted his income, earning £79 million from playing in the Saudi Pro League. The remaining amount comes from various endorsements.
Neymar follows in seventh place with £85 million ($108 million). The Brazilian star’s move to Al-Hilal in the Middle East contributes £63 million to his earnings, while the rest comes from endorsement deals, including the launch of his signature football boot with Puma.
Kylian Mbappe, ranking sixth, earned £87 million ($110 million). The 25-year-old’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain this summer didn’t prevent him from securing £71 million in on-field earnings. His endorsements with Nike, Oakley, and Hublot also add to his income, as he is expected to join Real Madrid.
Basketball Legends and a Golf Sensation
Giannis Antetokounmpo, fifth on the list, made £88 million ($111 million) and is the first athlete in the top 10 to earn more outside his sport. The Milwaukee Bucks star earns £36 million from basketball, while £51 million comes from ventures like his production company and his sixth signature shoe with Nike.
LeBron James, in fourth place, accumulated £101 million ($128.2 million). Although he earned £38 million from the Los Angeles Lakers, the bulk of his earnings come from endorsements and investments, including deals with Nike and DraftKings, and a stake in PGA Tour Enterprises.
Top earners on highest paid athletes list: Messi, Rahm, and Ronaldo
Lionel Messi ranks third with £107 million ($135 million). Like Antetokounmpo and James, Messi earns more from endorsements than playing. His move to MLS side Inter Miami boosted the club’s commercial revenue. Messi’s endorsements include Adidas, Apple, Konami, and an upcoming sports drink venture with White Claw Hard Seltzer.
The biggest mover on the Forbes list is Jon Rahm, now second with £172 million ($218 million), up from 28th last year. Rahm’s switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf has already earned him £156 million. Despite not winning a LIV event, he has made £5.2 million ($6.6 million) from seven tournaments in 2024.
Topping the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who will collect £205 million this year. His move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has earned him £157 million from playing.
Ronaldo’s off-the-pitch deals, totaling £48 million, include partnerships with Nike, Herbalife, and a new role as a global ambassador for Whoop. His influence extends as Whoop expands its availability to new regions, including the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
