Ever wonder who’s raking in millions while they wow us with every game, match, and race? In 2024, the top-paid athletes are icons who transcend their sports, shaping fashion trends, capturing social media with every move, and cashing in on endorsements as much as game wins.
From Cristiano Ronaldo’s monumental Saudi salary to Jon Rahm’s bold move into LIV Golf, these athletes have turned their talents into full-blown empires. Let’s dive into the stars who top this year’s charts, raking millions and setting the pace for athletic and pop culture influence.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer Icon with $260 Million in Earnings
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia made waves in the soccer world and across industries. His record $200 million salary makes him the highest-paid athlete of 2024, and with another $60 million from sponsorships and his own CR7 brand, he’s not just a sports star—he’s a global brand powerhouse.
Ronaldo’s deal with Nike, alongside hotels in New York and Madrid, showcases his reach beyond soccer, making him an unstoppable force both on and off the field. His enduring appeal on and off the field shows how he remains a marketing force at age 39, boasting 629 million Instagram followers who eagerly follow his every move.
2. Jon Rahm – Golf’s New Top Earner at $218 Million
Golf has never looked so profitable. Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf turned his career earnings upside down, landing him a $198 million payday from tournaments and sponsorship deals with Rolex, Callaway, and Santander.
Rahm’s calm demeanor and effortless style have only increased his popularity, proving that a golfer can break into superstar territory without swinging for the PGA.
3. Lionel Messi – $135 Million and Still Making Headlines
Messi’s stateside move has transformed the MLS, from his debut in Miami with Inter Miami to his colossal $135 million annual earnings. Earning $70 million from partnerships with Adidas, Budweiser, and Pepsi, Messi is a magnetic soccer figure who influences fashion, culture, and ticket sales.
According to Forbes, Inter Miami is valued at $1.03 billion, making it the league’s second-most valuable franchise. The club projects revenue to climb from $118 million in 2023 to over $200 million this year.
Messi’s performance on the field has been just as remarkable. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 10 goals in his first nine matches and recently set an MLS record with five assists in a single game. He has also expanded his sponsorship portfolio off the field, adding Lowe’s to partners like Adidas, Apple, and Konami.
His career might be nearing its final act, but his influence is as powerful as ever, seamlessly blending sports with global appeal.
4. LeBron James – Basketball’s Business Mogul with $128.2 Million
In May 2023, Forbes reported that LeBron James became the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status. He has continued to grow his earnings and is now ranked fourth on the 2024 list of the world’s highest-earning athletes.
Forbes estimates that $48.2 million of James’ $128.2 million income this year came from his on-court activities, with an additional $80 million earned off the court. Throughout his career, he has signed numerous elite endorsement deals with brands like Audemars Piguet, Beats by Dre, Coca-Cola, Kia, AT&T, Intel, PepsiCo, Taco Bell, Dunkin’ Brands, McDonald’s, and Nike.
He’s part-owner of franchises across the sports spectrum, from Liverpool F.C. to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his Fenway Sports Group partnerships are just the beginning. LeBron has redefined what it means to be a basketball star, setting his sights on making an impact that lasts beyond the game.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – The Greek Freak Cashing in at $111 Million
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a force for the Milwaukee Bucks, but his earnings this year tell a different story: $65 million of his $111 million income comes from deals with brands like Pepsi and Nike.
At 29, Antetokounmpo is currently with Greece’s National Team as they prepare for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. His NBA season, however, was cut short due to a calf injury.
The injury caused him to miss a significant portion of the regular season and all of the 2024 playoffs, with the Bucks being eliminated in the first round. His humble, hardworking image has made him a standout in the endorsement world, appealing to fans and brands alike.
6. Kylian Mbappé – $110 Million and Rising as Soccer’s Future
Kylian Mbappé has already earned $110 million with a jaw-dropping $90 million from his PSG contract. The 25-year-old French forward, expected to fulfill his lifelong dream by joining Real Madrid next season, leaves PSG with six Ligue 1 titles in seven seasons.
Off the pitch, Mbappé remains active in multiple ventures; he launched his own production company in 2022, partnering with the NBA, and maintains sponsorships with major brands like Nike and Hublot. Most recently, Mbappé represented France at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, where they fell to Spain in the semi-finals.
Of his total earnings, $90 million came from his on-field accomplishments, while approximately $20 million was generated from endorsements and other ventures.
7. Neymar – The Brazilian Style Icon with $108 Million
As reported by Forbes, Neymar, former Barcelona and PSG winger, ranks seventh among the world’s top-earning athletes, with $108 million earned over the past year. After joining Al-Hilal last summer, the Brazilian international appeared just five matches before a World Cup qualifying match injury ended his season with a torn ACL. Despite limited playing time, Neymar secured $80 million through his club contract and an additional $28 million from endorsements.
Al-Hilal offered a benefits-laden contract to attract him to the Saudi Pro League, including access to a private jet, luxury cars, and a staffed mansion. After his injury, Neymar expanded his sponsorship portfolio, including partnerships with Skims, Puma for a new soccer boot, and Fun Brands for a cocktail and mocktail line.
8. Canelo Álvarez – Boxing’s Earnings Champ at $110 Million
Canelo Álvarez, the globally recognized Mexican boxing icon, has reached a net worth of approximately $250 million in 2024, marking him as one of the wealthiest athletes worldwide. His income stems from his boxing achievements, diverse business ventures, and selective sponsorships.
Álvarez’s September 14, 2024, fight against Edgar Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena is expected to bring in over $65 million in earnings, including $35 million guaranteed, $17.5 million from broadcast rights, and $13.6 million from ticket sales. Known for headlining events on significant dates, such as Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day, Álvarez has effectively negotiated top earnings from his fights, securing 80% of gate revenue.
Beyond boxing, Álvarez’s business portfolio includes “Canelo Energy” gas stations, “Upper” convenience stores, a clothing line, and a fitness app. His foray into beverages has also been successful with his VMC tequila and Yaoca sports drinks. Álvarez’s selective endorsement strategy, including a $2 million-a-year deal with Anheuser-Busch, has strengthened his brand without overexposure, further bolstering his financial standing.
9. Stephen Curry – The NBA’s $100.4 Million Sharp Shooter
Stephen Curry, one of the NBA’s greatest shooters, has amassed a net worth of $100.4 million in 2024, driven by his record-breaking NBA contracts, endorsements, and business ventures. His wealth stems mainly from his $215 million, 4-year contract with the Golden State Warriors in 2021, making him the first NBA player to sign multiple $200 million deals.
Curry’s unparalleled shooting range and MVP seasons in 2015 and 2016 helped elevate his status among elite players, paving the way for substantial earnings. Off the court, Curry’s endorsement deals add over $40 million annually, headlined by a lucrative partnership with Under Armour, where he has an equity stake and a signature line, Curry Brand.
Beyond Under Armour, his endorsements include Chase, Nissan, Rakuten, and others. Through SC30 Inc, Curry also invests in companies like Guild Education and Oxigen, and his media company, Unanimous Media, collaborates with Comcast NBCUniversal.
10. Max Verstappen – Formula 1’s $92 Million Star
According to Forbes, Max Verstappen led Formula 1’s earnings in 2022, making $60 million from his $40 million salary and $20 million in bonuses. This marked a shift in F1’s highest-paid driver standings, with Verstappen surpassing Lewis Hamilton, who earned $55 million. Fernando Alonso came in third with $30 million, followed by Sergio Pérez and Charles Leclerc.
Formula 1’s top ten drivers collectively earned $264 million—a 25% increase from 2021. Although F1 offers limited endorsement opportunities, Verstappen made an additional $2 million off-track. With a new budget cap limiting team spending on design but excluding driver pay, experts expect driver salaries to rise as teams invest heavily in top talent.
Verstappen’s record 15 wins and 146-point lead also contributed to Red Bull’s first Constructors’ Championship since 2013, breaking Mercedes’ eight-year streak.
https://www.ibtimes.com/stephen-curry-net-worth-nba-stardom-business-success-3727105
https://www.forbes.com.au/news/sport/the-worlds-10-highest-paid-athletes-2024
https://www.merca20.com/canelo-alvarez-net-worth-2024-how-much-money-does-the-mexican-boxer-have
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