A number of athletes have truly made a name for themselves in terms of their athletic skills, endorsements, and overall brand appeal. In just one year, the top 15 highest-earning collectively earned an astounding $1.11 billion before taxes and agent fees, an average of about $74 million per athlete.
It’s not just one sport dominating the scene; the top 5 alone represent a spectrum of sports:
- Soccer: 3 athletes, combined earnings of almost $400 million.
- Basketball: 1 athlete, earnings of $119.5 million.
- Boxing: 1 athlete, earnings of $110 million.
In recent years, the world of sports has expanded far beyond the confines of stadiums and arenas. Athletes have evolved from mere players to global icons, wielding their influence and personal brands across various domains. This remarkable achievement can be largely attributed to the rise of digital media rights, which have revolutionized how fans engage with sports, giving athletes unparalleled global exposure.
Moreover, these sporting celebrities are leveraging their brand value by venturing into diverse off-field sectors. It is now commonplace to witness top-tier athletes collaborating with or endorsing various industries. This mutual relationship not only provides lucrative opportunities for athletes but also enhances the visibility and credibility of the associated brands.
Here’s a look at this year’s highest-earning sportspeople across all sports.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million) – A Legend’s Reign
At the age of 38, Ronaldo is still causing a stir in the soccer world. He recently made headlines by transferring from Manchester United to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr. With an estimated annual playing salary of $75 million, he remains at the top spot on this list. Known for his massive fanbase of 850 million across social media platforms, Ronaldo is constantly pursued by top brands for endorsements. He’s already endorsed top brands like Nike and Unilever.
Some sports stars have earned part of their fortunes from betting on themselves with bookmakers like these. Ronaldo reportedly bet on himself to be La Liga’s top goalscorer back in 2018. He scored a massive 36 goals, compared to his nearest rival Karim Benzema’s 21, but how much he made from the bet is unknown.
2. Lionel Messi ($130 million) – From The Field To The Bank
At 35 years old, Messi demonstrates that age doesn’t define success. His earnings, both from his performances on the field and his lucrative endorsements off the field, totalled an impressive $130 million. This remarkable achievement is undoubtedly influenced by his recent World Cup victory with Argentina, in which the team took home $42 million between them.
3. Kylian Mbappé ($120 million) – The Under-30 Sensation
Mbappé’s rise to the top 10 sports people with high yearly earnings, and being the youngest player in that group, has been incredibly fast. With earnings of $120 million from his performances on the field, he has even surpassed a lot of previously regarded legends. His $1.15 million a week contract with PSG ranks him as the footballer with the highest weekly salary, even above Ronaldo and Messi (their extra income comes from additional projects and endorsements).
4. LeBron James ($119.5 million) – The Billionaire Baller
LeBron James, known for his incredible basketball skills, has also demonstrated his prowess as a savvy businessman with a series of strategic investments. His financial acumen is apparent in ventures that have significantly contributed to his billionaire status.
One notable example is his early investment in Blaze Pizza. LeBron initially put around $1 million into the fast-casual pizza chain and witnessed its value skyrocket, making him one of the primary beneficiaries of its success. Additionally, he has ventured into the growing sport of pickleball by investing in a team, as well as putting money towards “Ladder,” a sports nutrition startup he co-founded alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cindy Crawford, and Lindsey Vonn. These endeavors highlight LeBron’s ability to identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities both within and beyond the realm of basketball.
5. Canelo Álvarez ($110 million) – Packing Punches And Profits
Álvarez’s impact extends beyond the boxing ring and into the business world, where he has emerged as a formidable presence. From his successful sports drink ventures to his clothing lines, his portfolio reflects both diversity and success. He also has his boxing gloves sponsored by Everlast, one of the biggest brands for boxing gear.
6. Dustin Johnson ($107 million) – Swinging To The Bank
Although Johnson’s move to LIV Golf, supported by Saudi Arabia, stirred controversy, it has certainly paid off for him. He has earned a total of $107 million this year, making him quite satisfied with the outcome. He’s also earned $75,380,703 to date from his PGA contests.
7. Phil Mickelson ($106 million) – The Golfing Goliath
Mickelson’s exceptional performance at the 2023 Masters Tournament, at the age of 52, was truly legendary and earned him $1.584 million. In addition to his accomplishments on the golf course, he is also recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropic contributions.
8. Stephen Curry ($100.4 million) – Shooting Hoops And High Earnings
Steph Curry’s earnings soared past the $100 million mark this year, thanks to his substantial salary and lucrative endorsements with industry giants like Under Armour and Chase Bank. Beyond basketball, Curry has also made noteworthy investments in VR platforms and sports ventures.
9. Roger Federer ($95.1 million) – The Tennis Titan’s Second Serve
Even though Roger Federer has retired from professional tennis, his brand continues to captivate audiences. The collaboration with eyewear brand Oliver Peoples is evidence of his lasting market appeal.
10. Kevin Durant ($89.1 million) – The Basketball Behemoth
Kevin Durant, also known as KD, maintains a high earning potential through his partnerships with global brands and savvy investments. His recent lifetime contract with Nike solidifies his status among sports legends.
11. Serena Williams ($87 million) – The Tennis Trailblazer
Serena Williams, known as the Queen of the Court, is not just a tennis icon but also an influential figure outside of the game. With her numerous grand slam titles, she has rightfully secured her place in tennis history. In addition to her on-court success, Serena’s ventures in fashion and technology, as well as her endorsement deals, continuously contribute to her financial success.
12. Neymar Jr. ($85 million) – The Football Phenom
Brazilian football sensation Neymar Jr. continues to capture the hearts of football fans worldwide with his mesmerizing skills on the field. His captivating performances for Paris Saint-Germain, coupled with his strong media presence, have earned him lucrative endorsement deals with numerous top brands, cementing his position on this prestigious list.
13. Tom Brady ($83 million) – The NFL Legend
Despite being at an age where many NFL players have already retired, Tom Brady continues to defy expectations by breaking records and earning substantial amounts of money. In addition to his seven Super Bowl championships, Brady also benefits financially from endorsements and his successful TB12 lifestyle brand.
14. Conor McGregor ($80 million) – The Fight Game Maestro
Conor McGregor, the iconic face of UFC, has risen above the realm of mixed martial arts. Through his highly profitable fights and business ventures like Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey and August McGregor clothing line, he continues to enjoy a steady stream of income.
15. Naomi Osaka ($78 million) – Rising Tennis Star
With her rapid ascent in the world of tennis, Osaka has captivated fans and become a coveted face for brand endorsements. Beyond her on-court success, she has also garnered significant income through partnerships with renowned brands and earned admiration for her outspokenness on social issues.
