Have you ever wondered how much your favorite athletes earn? Today, we’re diving into the world of sports and money to find out who the top earners are in 2024. From soccer fields to basketball courts, these athletes are not only champions in their sports but also their bank accounts. It’s not just about scoring goals or dunking balls. There’s a whole business side to sports that’s just as exciting as the games themselves! Get ready to be amazed by their achievements, both on and off the field!
The Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes in the World
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer
Total Earnings: $260 M
Who is the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2024?
- A. Lionel Messi
- B. LeBron James
- C. Cristiano Ronaldo
- D. Neymar Jr.
On-The-Field Earnings – $200 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $60 M
Wow, can you believe it? Cristiano Ronaldo, that amazing soccer player from Portugal, is the richest athlete in the whole world! He made a whopping $260 million last year! Ronaldo earns a huge chunk of his money from playing soccer for a team called Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. But that’s not all! You’ve probably seen him in ads for things like shoes, watches, and even hair products! His endorsement portfolio includes corporations like Binance, Erakulis, Nike, Herbalife, Clear Haircare, and Whoop.
Key Achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ronaldo has scored a crazy number of goals! He’s found the back of the net over 800 times in his whole soccer career. That’s like scoring a goal almost every game!
- He has won the Champions League, the biggest soccer tournament in the world, a whopping five times! That’s like winning five Super Bowls in a row!
- He helped Portugal win the Euro Cup, which is like the World Cup for European countries. And guess what? He was the top scorer of the tournament!
- Ronaldo has broken so many records, it’s hard to count them all! He’s the first player to score at five World Cups, and he’s scored more goals for his country, Portugal, than anyone else.
Off-the-Field Ventures of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just about kicking balls into the nets. He’s got a big brain for making money too! He’s got his own special brand called CR7, just like his famous jersey number. One cool thing Ronaldo did was start his own CR7 hotels in lots of places, like Portugal, Spain, and even New York City! He also loves clothes. He has his own clothing line with jeans, shirts, and underwear. He’s not done yet! Ronaldo has his own perfume too. It smells amazing, just like a superstar! And guess what? He even has his own gyms to help people get fit and strong, just like him.
2. Jon Rahm – Golf
Total Earnings: $218 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $198 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $20 M
Jon Rahm is a super cool golfer who has won 20 big golf tournaments! He made a big decision to join a new golf group called LIV Golf. This got him a whopping $350 million! That’s a lot of money, right? Not only did he get a bunch of money, but he also became part-owner of this new golf group. That means he gets a share of all the money it makes! He’s also the boss of one of the teams in LIV Golf, called Legion XIII. All this cool stuff made Jon Rahm the second-richest athlete in the whole world this year!
Major Tournaments of Jon Rahm
Jon has won two Major tournaments so far. That’s like winning two Super Bowls back-to-back!
- The first one was the US Open in 2021. Can you believe he won by just one tiny point? That was super close!
- The second one was the Masters in 2023. He beat a bunch of other amazing golfers to win that one!
Brand Endorsements of Jon Rahm
Did you know he’s also a big deal for lots of companies? One of the biggest companies Jon works with is Callaway. They make golf clubs and balls. Imagine getting paid to use the coolest golf stuff! Jon also drives fancy cars. That’s because he works with Mercedes-Benz. Another company that likes Jon is Rolex. They make super expensive and fancy watches. Jon gets to wear these awesome watches while he plays golf. And guess what? He even works with a bank called Santander. They think Jon is so popular that people will want to bank with them because of him!
3. Lionel Messi – Soccer
Total Earnings: $135 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $65 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $70 M
Lionel Messi makes a ton of money just by playing soccer. But that’s not all! When he moved to play for a team called Inter Miami, he got a special deal with a cruise ship company called Royal Caribbean. That means he gets paid even more money! He’s also famous, so lots of companies want him to be in their ads. Richest sports brands like Adidas (for shoes), Apple (for phones), and Konami (for video games) pay him a bunch of money to use his name and picture. Because of all this, Messi makes a whopping $70 million extra every year, on top of his soccer salary! That’s why he’s always one of the richest athletes in the world.
Career Milestones of Lionel Messi
He’s like a wizard with the ball, and people all over the world love watching him play football. Messi has done amazing things on the soccer field. He’s scored lots and lots of goals, and he’s helped his teams win many important games. He’s even won special awards for being the best soccer player in the world many times! He started playing when he was really young, and he just kept getting better and better. Now, he’s one of the most famous and loved athletes in the world.
Philanthropy of Lionel Messi
Messi cares a lot about helping others, especially kids. He has a special group called the Leo Messi Foundation that helps kids who are sick or don’t have a lot. They give money to hospitals, schools, and places that take care of children. Messi also works with UNICEF, a big group that helps kids all over the world. He visits places where kids need help and tells people about their problems. He wants to make sure all kids are happy and healthy.
4. LeBron James – Basketball
Total Earnings: $128.2 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $48.2 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $80 M
LeBron James is a super-famous basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He earns a whopping $51.4 million a year! He won the NBA championship four times and has even won medals for playing basketball in the Olympics. Plus, he’s the best scorer in the whole history of the NBA! Oh, and guess what? LeBron is not just a basketball star. He also started working with a company called DraftKings. It’s like he’s got a lot going on besides playing basketball!
Recent Performances of LeBron James
LeBron has been playing for Team USA and he’s been amazing!
Big game against Germany: LeBron scored 20 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and made 4 assists in a win against Germany.
Another great game: He helped Team USA beat Serbia by scoring 21 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and making 9 assists.
Good all-around player: In a game against South Sudan, LeBron showed he can do it all. He scored 12 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, made 5 assists, and even stole the ball once!
Great news for Lakers fans! LeBron has decided to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a big deal worth $104 million for two years!
Business Ventures of LeBron James
LeBron James is also a super smart businessman! Besides playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he owns lots of cool companies. One of his biggest businesses is called SpringHill Company. It makes movies and TV shows. Have you seen “Space Jam: A New Legacy”? That’s one of his! He also has a part of a pizza place called Blaze Pizza, where you can make your own pizza. LeBron is smart with his money. He’s invested in a lot of different things, like sports teams. Can you believe he’s part-owner of the Boston Red Sox baseball team and Liverpool Football Club in England?
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Basketball
Total Earnings: $111 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $46 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $65 M
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a super-cool basketball player! But Giannis isn’t just about basketball. He’s also trying his hand at making movies and TV shows with his own company. And guess what? He even has his own drink called Starry, which is like a super-fun soda! Oh, and if you love sneakers, you’ll be excited to know that Giannis is coming out with his sixth special shoe design this year! That’s a big deal for sneaker lovers.
Career Highlights of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Can you believe he’s won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award not just once, but twice in a row? That’s like being the best player in the whole world for two years straight! And guess what? He was also named the best defender in the league one year! That’s super tough to do. Giannis helped his team, the Milwaukee Bucks, win the biggest basketball championship ever, the NBA Finals, in 2021. He was even the MVP of those games!
Brand Collaborations of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis works with a bunch of cool brands. He’s teamed up with Nike to make special shoes and clothes. He even helped design his own card game with UNO! But wait, there’s more! Giannis is also partners with a fancy watch company called Breitling, and he’s got his special watch design. And guess what? He’s even worked with a big tech company, Google!
6. Kylin Mbappé – Soccer
Total Earnings: $110 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $90 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $20 M
Kylian Mbappé is not just a supersoccer star, he’s also a big moneymaker! His team, Paris Saint-Germain, pays him a whopping $1.3 billion! But it’s not just his soccer skills that make him rich. He’s also smart with his money! He has a company that works with the NBA and he teams up with famous brands like Nike, Hublot, and Oakley. Because of all this, Kylian Mbappé is one of the richest soccer players in the whole world!
Career Highlights of Kylian Mbappé
One of the coolest things about Mbappé is that he helped France win the World Cup in 2018. He was so young, but he played like a superstar! And guess what? He’s scored a total of four goals in the biggest soccer game ever, the World Cup final. But that’s not all! Mbappé has won lots of other awards and prizes for his amazing soccer skills.
Brand Partnerships of Kylian Mbappé
When he was only 21 years old, he was on the cover of a super famous video game called FIFA. He’s also part of a special online game called Sorare where you can collect digital cards of famous players. And guess what? He even works with Dior, a fancy fashion brand! Mbappé is also working with a new media company called Zebra Valley to make fun videos about sports. He wants to bring soccer and basketball fans together. And that’s not all! He’s teamed up with a TV and sound company called Loewe to make amazing new products.
7. Neymar Jr. – Soccer
Total Earnings: $108 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $80 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $28 M
Neymar moved to a soccer team called Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. For playing soccer there, he gets a super big salary. It’s not just his pay; he also gets cool stuff like his own private plane and a fancy house! To make even more money, Neymar teamed up with some famous companies. He’s working with Skims, Puma, and Fun Brands. Because of his soccer skills and these deals, he’s now one of the top 7 highest-paid athletes in the whole world!
Recent Achievements of Neymar Jr.
He helped Brazil almost win a big soccer tournament called the Copa America in 2021. They were the runners-up, and guess what? Neymar was picked as one of the best players in the whole tournament! He has scored goals in three different World Cups. Only two other Brazilians have done that before him. Neymar has won a special award called the Samba Gold Award six times! That’s more than anyone else. Plus, he’s been chosen for two really important teams: the FIFA FIFPro World11 and the UEFA Team of the Year. And he’s been on a special list called the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season three times! Even a famous magazine called Time said Neymar is one of the 100 most important people in the world!
Off-the-Field Interests of Neymar Jr.
Neymar likes to chill out and have fun. He loves listening to music and even sings sometimes! You might see him dancing to Brazilian pop songs. Another thing Neymar enjoys is playing cards, especially poker. He’s so good at it that he even named his dog after the game! He loves watching movies, especially exciting ones called action movies, and comedies. He also enjoys playing adventurous video games. But most importantly, Neymar loves spending time with his son, David Lucca, who is four years old. He often goes to the movies together with his friends and family.
8. Karim Benzema – Soccer
Total Earnings: $106 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $100 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $6 M
Karim Benzema was a super famous soccer player who played for Real Madrid, a great team. He was so good that he won a special prize called the Ballon d’Or in 2022! But in 2023, he decided to leave Real Madrid and play for a team called Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. This big move made him one of the richest athletes in the whole world! He gets paid a LOT of money to play soccer now.
Major Career Milestones of Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema has scored lots of goals and won lots of prizes! Let’s see what makes him so special. He joined a big team called Lyon when he was just 17 years old! He played for Lyon for a long time, winning three league titles. That means his team was the best in France three times! After that, he moved to a really famous team called Real Madrid. At Real Madrid, Benzema kept scoring amazing goals and helping his team win. He won the La Liga championship, which is like winning the biggest soccer prize in Spain! And guess what? He won the Champions League, which is like the World Cup for clubs, a whopping four times! Benzema is not just good at scoring goals; he’s also a great teammate. He helps other players score and makes the whole team better. That’s why everyone loves watching him play!
Endorsements of Karim Benzema
Companies want Karim to be the face of their products. Some of the successful companies that Karim works with are Adidas, which makes sports clothes and shoes, and EA Sports, which makes video games.
9. Stephen Curry – Basketball
Total Earnings: $102 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $52 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $50 M
Every year, he earns a whopping $50 million without even stepping on the court! Curry is also really good at business. He works with a company called Under Armour. They make sports clothes and shoes. Curry gets $75 million in Under Armour shares from now until the year 2034! He also has his own brand called Curry Brand. It’s like a cool club where he works with other famous basketball players like De’Aaron Fox.
Recent Achievements of Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is good at shooting the ball, especially from far away. People call him a “three-point king” because he makes so many baskets from way outside. He’s helped his team, the Golden State Warriors, win the championship four times! He’s also been chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice. He’s also been picked to play in the All-Star Game ten times!
Business Ventures of Stephen Curry
Stephen has his own company called SC30. It helps him manage all his money and businesses. Besides shoes and clothes, Stephen loves making movies and TV shows. His company, Unanimous Media, makes fun stuff that families can enjoy. He’s even helped make a really popular TV show called “Holey Moley”!
10. Lamar Jackson – American Football
Total Earnings: $100.5 M
On-The-Field Earnings – $98.5 M
Off-The-Field Earnings – $2 M
He’s only 27 years old, but he’s already making a ton of money. In fact, he’s one of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the whole world! Last year, Lamar got a super big bonus of $72.5 million from his team, the Baltimore Ravens. That’s a lot of zeros! Because of that, he made it onto a special list of rich athletes. He won a super special prize called the MVP award twice! He helped his team win a lot of games too. He works with big companies like Oakley and StatusPro. He even owns his own businesses, like a restaurant that serves yummy food, a company that makes movies, a music company, and a store that sells his own clothes!
Key Career Highlights of Lamar Jackson
He’s known for being super fast and good at throwing the ball. People love watching him play American football because he can do amazing things on the field. One of the coolest things about Lamar is that he won something called the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2019. He was also the youngest player ever to win this big award. He’s also been to a special football game called the Pro Bowl. This is a game where the best players from each team get to play together. And Lamar was the youngest quarterback ever to start in the Pro Bowl!
Brand Collaborations of Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is a big name in advertising, with many popular brands wanting him as their ambassador. Just like us, Lamar has a love for pizza and has appeared in some entertaining Pizza Hut commercials, making pizza time even more fun. He showcases his style in Nike gear, looking fantastic in their sneakers and jerseys. Lamar also collaborates with Oakley to create stylish sunglasses. As a music lover, he prefers Bose headphones for the best listening experience. Additionally, he helps people find great shows and movies on Hulu.
The Future of Athlete Earnings
The landscape of athlete earnings is always evolving, with new stars emerging and traditional sports seeing fresh talent. Here are a few rising stars and potential top earners to watch:
Erling Haaland (Soccer): Known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, Haaland is set to become one of the highest-paid soccer players. His recent move to a top European club has significantly increased his earnings from both salary and endorsements.
Coco Gauff (Tennis): As one of the youngest and most talented players on the WTA tour, Gauff is not only earning from her performance on the court but also attracting major sponsorship deals.
Zion Williamson (Basketball): Despite early-career injuries, Williamson’s potential in the NBA is undeniable. His charisma and playing style make him a magnet for endorsements.
Tyson Fury (Boxing): With the resurgence of heavyweight boxing, Fury’s earnings from fights, endorsements, and media appearances are expected to continue rising.
Naomi Osaka (Tennis): Already a top earner, Osaka’s influence extends beyond tennis with significant endorsements, her own fashion line, and investments in esports teams.
Emerging Sports: The Rise of Esports and Mixed Martial Arts
Two sports experiencing significant growth and offering lucrative opportunities for athletes are esports and mixed martial arts (MMA):
Esports: The esports industry has exploded in popularity, with games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Dota 2 drawing massive audiences. Professional gamers such as Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf and Johan “N0tail” Sundstein are earning millions from tournament winnings, streaming, and sponsorships. As more traditional sports teams and brands invest in esports, the earning potential for top players continues to grow.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): MMA, led by organizations like the UFC and Bellator, has seen a surge in popularity. Fighters like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have earned substantial sums from fight purses, pay-per-view revenue, and endorsements. The sport’s global appeal and dramatic fight nights ensure that top fighters can command high earnings.
Media Rights: How Broadcasting Deals Can Affect Earnings
Broadcasting deals are a critical revenue stream for sports leagues and, by extension, their athletes. Here’s how these deals impact earnings:
Television and Streaming: Major sports leagues sign multi-billion dollar deals with television networks and streaming platforms. For example, the NFL’s agreements with networks like ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox bring in significant revenue, a portion of which trickles down to player salaries and bonuses.
Pay-Per-View: Events like boxing matches and MMA fights often rely on pay-per-view revenue. High-profile fights can generate millions, with top fighters earning a share of the profits. Conor McGregor’s fights, for example, have shattered pay-per-view records, substantially boosting his earnings.
Digital Media: With the rise of digital platforms, sports leagues and teams are exploring new ways to monetize content. Exclusive streaming deals, highlight packages, and behind-the-scenes content can all contribute to an athlete’s income.
Evolving Landscape: The Changing Economics of Sports and New Revenue Streams
The sports economy is continuously evolving, with new revenue streams emerging for athletes:
Social Media and Personal Branding: Athletes are leveraging social media to build personal brands. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow athletes to connect directly with fans, attract sponsorships, and monetize content. Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, earns millions from sponsored posts on his social media accounts.
Athlete-Owned Businesses: More athletes are investing in their own businesses, ranging from fashion lines and restaurants to tech startups and production companies. LeBron James’s SpringHill Company, for example, produces content that resonates with a wide audience, adding to his revenue streams.
Endorsements and Sponsorships: Traditional endorsements remain a significant income source, but the nature of these deals is changing. Brands now seek long-term partnerships and collaborations that go beyond simple product endorsements. Athletes like Naomi Osaka, who has partnerships with brands such as Nike and Beats by Dre, often co-create products or campaigns.
The future of athlete earnings looks promising, with numerous avenues for generating income beyond traditional salaries. As sports continue to globalize and technology advances, athletes will have even more opportunities to maximize their earnings and impact.
Who’s Next?
From soccer fields to basketball courts, these athletes have proven that hard work and talent pay off—literally! Their earnings are a testament to their skills, dedication, and business savvy. Who do you think will top the list next year? Share your predictions and don’t forget to try our quiz of your favorite athletes.