Ranked: The highest-paid athletes of 2024

With sports being the most popular pastime for most of civilization, the people athletes who are paid to play often have the most lucrative professional working contracts.

But even among athletes, there are a select few who have signed contracts that make your eyes pop out of your face, reaching salary records in some cases.

Forbes 2024 revealed striking figures for the highest-paid athletes around the world. These top athletes have excelled at maximizing their brand beyond their sport, transforming their talent and image into staggering financial success.

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The income threshold for inclusion on this year's list is $45.2 (€41.2/£34.8) million, a 20% increase from 2022. The NBA tops the list with 19 players, followed by the NFL with 11 and football with eight representatives. LIV Golf also stands out with two of its golfers on the list.

Over the past 12 months, the world's 10 highest-paid players have racked up an unprecedented $1.38 (€1.27/£1.06) billion before taxes and agent fees, according to Forbes. A new all-time high, but who tops the list?

Cristiano Ronaldo is considered to be one of the best in the football game, but also as a public figure, he is recognized as an international icon. At 39, he tops the list with $260 (€240/£200) million in earnings over the past 12 months.

Football players occupy 5 of the top 10 spots among the highest-paid athletes, all of them with earnings exceeding $100 (€92.3/£77) million.

Currently, at Inter Miami, Messi continues to establish himself as one of the best footballers in history, with total earnings of $135 (€124/£103) million.

Kylian Mbappé, the iconic figure of French football who recently joined Real Madrid CF, has reached earnings of $110 (€101/£84) million. His exceptional speed and skills on the pitch have positioned him as one of the most in-demand footballers.

With earnings of $108 (€100/£82) million, Neymar is now in 7th place. His new contract with Al-Hilal, worth $80 million, along with various sponsorships, ensures that the charismatic Brazilian remains on the list of the highest-paid sportsmen.

Now at Al-Ittihad, the 36-year-old French center-forward has managed to amass $106 (€97/£81) million. His career has been characterized by remarkable consistency, reflected in his substantial sporting contracts and high market value.

Only one golf expert appears among the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world: Jon Rahm is in second place. He is followed by Rory McIlroy (pictured) in 19th place with $80.1 (€73/£61) million, Tiger Woods in 23rd with $67.2 (€57/£48) million, Scottie Scheffler in 29th with $59.2 (€54/£45) million and finally Cameron Smith in 43rd with $48 (€44/£36) million.

In 2024, Spaniard Jon Rahm joined the LIV Golf circuit and became the second highest-paid athlete in the world, with earnings of $218 (€201/£167) million. His transition has significantly boosted his earnings, which break down into $198 (€182/£152) million on the course and $20 (€18/£15) million in endorsements, according to BBC Sport.

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NBA stars dominate the list of the highest-paid athletes. However, only three of them stand out among the top spots: LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry. They all receive between $5 and $80 million in endorsements, consolidating their position not only because of their salaries in the league, but also because of their enormous commercial appeal.

At 39, the league's all-time leading scorer and undisputed NBA king has amassed $128 (€118/£98.5) million. His fortune comes not only from the $48 (€44/£36) million he receives as a salary with the Los Angeles Lakers, but also from his lucrative endorsement deals.

With earnings of $111 (€101/£84) million, the "Greek Freak" continues to raise his status in basketball and in the financial arena. At 30 years old, he has signed a lucrative contract with the Milwaukee Bucks for $46 (€42/£35) million and has attracted the attention of global sponsors, raking in $65 (€60/£50) million, reaffirming his position as an international superstar.

At 36 years old, Stephen Curry has managed to cash in a remarkable fortune of $102 (€94/£78.5) million. His income comes almost equally from his contract with the Golden State Warriors. He recently signed a one-year contract extension worth $62.6 (€57/£47) million, according to CNBC.

The NFL has eleven representatives among the 50 highest-paid athletes in the world, but only Lamar Jackson makes it into the top 10 with earnings of $100.5 (€94/£78.5) million. Close behind him is Joe Burrow, who ranks 11th with $100 (€93.5/£78.0) million, highlighting the growing economic clout of quarterbacks in the sport.

Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is the highest-paid NFL player, ranking 10th with earnings of $100.5 (€94/£78.5) million.

Boxing is up there too. Canelo Alvarez (pictured) is ranked 14th with earnings of $85 (€78/£65) million, followed by Anthony Joshua in 16th place with earnings of $83 (€75/£62) million. Tyson Fury also features in 49th place with earnings of $50 (€46/£38) million.

Two Formula 1 drivers are among the top earners, with Max Verstappen in 17th place at $81 (€74/£62) million and Lewis Hamilton in 21st at $69 (€63/£53) million.

In baseball, Shohei Ohtani comes in at number 13 among the highest-paid athletes, earning $85.3 (€78/£65) million, thanks to his skills as a pitcher and hitter. Max Scherzer follows in 28th place with $60 (€55/£46) million.

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The world's 50 highest-paid athletes have raked in a staggering $3.88 (€3.58/£2.99) billion over the past year, up 13 percent from the previous year's record, according to Forbes.