Top 10 highest paid athletes in the world

Footballers have an unreal influence among athletes and earn the most when it comes to payments.

Sports continue to be one of the best forms of entertainment, and world-class athletes have all enjoyed good years in their respective sports. Forbes released the list of 10 highest-paid athletes in the world. Some of the most recognizable names in the world of sports have made it to the list.

These athletes are more than just stars in their sports they’re global icons whose influence reaches far beyond stadiums. Their success, a mix of amazing skills on the field shows how sports have become a huge money-making business. These legendary figures have honed their craft through years of hard work. The mastery of their professions brings them fame, fortune as well as wealth.

Meanwhile, let’s dive deep into the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world:

10. Lamar Jackson – $100.5M

Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson has the highest percentage of his earnings coming from his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Oakley is the company that is sponsoring him, his $72.5 million signing bonus, which set an NFL contract record, made him football’s highest-paid player for 2023. Currently, his endorsements are earning him around $2M.

9. Stephen Curry – $102M

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has magical skills and is a true entertainer, Widely regarded as the greatest shooter and one of the greatest players of all time. Curry’s earnings show how basketball players can influence beyond sports. They can impact entertainment and business. As a player, he has won everything and on the business side, he is earning millions through it.

8. Karim Benzema – $106M

Benzema is a four-time French Player of the Year and has won the 2022 Ballon d’Or as the world’s best men’s player. After stints in Ligue 1 with Lyon and in La Liga with Real Madrid, he joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad in June 2023. Some of the biggest companies in the world are sponsoring him like, Adidas and Volkswagen. For the first time, he has made it into this list.

7. Neymar – $108M

He completed a summer transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal in 2023. The Brazilian, though, has hardly played this season, having been sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. His impact on football and business is so good that even after being out of the game for so long he can make it into this list. The 32-year-old is a massively popular figure among fans and keeps winning in terms of his finances.

6. Kylian Mbappé – $110M

The balance between his athletic achievements and off-field business engagements showcases not only his proficiency on the football field but also his emerging status as a marketable and globally recognized figure. Mbappé’s ability to seamlessly blend skill and commercial appeal positions him as a rising star not just in the realm of football but also in the broader landscape of sports and entertainment.

Apart from his salary, Mbappe also earns through sponsorship deals. He will leave PSG this season and most probably will go to his dream club Real Madrid.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111M

His size, speed, strength, and country of origin have earned him the nickname “Greek Freak”. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time as well as one of the greatest players of all time His salary is $46M, while his endorsements are $65M.

Among Giannis’ prestigious endorsements are collaborations with renowned brands such as Nike, Google, Disney, JBL, and many more. He is not only performing well on the field but also on the business side.

4. LeBron James – $128.2M

He isn’t just a basketball superstar but also a powerful figure in business and advertising. LeBron James stands as a testament to the evolving role of athletes as global brand ambassadors, transcending the boundaries of their respective sports.

James, widely regarded as the face of the NBA, apart from his on-court earnings, also boosts his wealth through endorsement deals.

Also read: Top 10 Active Goalscorers of all time

3. Lionel Messi – $135M

Messi’s unique skills charm fans all over the world. It unlocks sports success and a huge money shower. This highlights Messi’s global impact, painting him not just as a football legend but also as a business giant.

Messi’s move to MLS has significantly increased the profile of the league and Inter Miami. Lionel Messi, makes up the top three on $135 million, with on-field earnings totaling $65 million and off-field $70 million.

2. Jon Rahm – $218M

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm had a dazzling 2023. The 29-year-old won the Masters last year and was also Europe’s hero in their Ryder Cup triumph against the United States. He recently left the PGA Tour to join the LIV Golf Tour for which he also faced a lot of criticism.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $260M

Arguably the face of football, Cristiano Ronaldo earns a mammoth wage from his club Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s presence has also been a massive boost for Saudi Arabian football as the league has had an exponential global expansion recently.

Apart from his astronomical wage, he also has sponsorship ties with leading global brands like Nike, Tag Heuer, Armani, and more. Last year Ronaldo was at the top of this list and this year as well he made it to the top.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.