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Cristiano Ronaldo has officially been crowned the highest-earning athlete on the planet, bringing in an astonishing £192.4 million in 2024, nearly doubling the total of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.
The 39-year-old football icon’s earnings came largely from his lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he is reportedly earning a jaw-dropping £488,000 per day following his contract renewal in June. Ronaldo’s combination of wages, sponsorships, and commercial ventures makes him the undisputed financial king of sport for the year.
Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami CF in the MLS, finished third on the list with £99.9 million, with the majority of his income coming from endorsements, partnerships, and his global brand.
The full top 10 list highlights just how diverse the highest-earning athletes have become, with footballers, NBA superstars, an NFL quarterback, and even a golfer making the rankings.
Top 10 Highest-Earning Athletes of 2024:
10 Lamar Jackson – £74.37m
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback’s massive contract saw him finish as the NFL’s top earner, just squeezing into the top ten.
9 Stephen Curry – £75.38m
Basketball’s greatest shooter continues to dominate both on and off the court, with endorsements adding a huge boost to his annual income.
8 Karim Benzema – £78.44m
The legendary French striker, now playing in Saudi Arabia, remains one of the sport’s most valuable players financially.
7 Neymar – £79.92m
Despite injuries limiting his time on the pitch, Neymar’s mega-contract at Al-Hilal keeps him among the world’s top earners.
6 Kylian Mbappé – £81.40m
At just 26 years old, Mbappé is the youngest on the list. His signing bonus and Real Madrid move secured him a fortune.
5 Giannis Antetokounmpo – £82.14m
The “Greek Freak” earns more than half of his income from sponsorship deals, including his Nike shoe line.
4 LeBron James – £94.87m
In his 23rd season, the NBA legend is still a financial powerhouse, thanks to both his Lakers salary and off-court ventures.
Lionel Messi – £99.90m
The Argentinian World Cup winner is one of the few athletes who earns more from sponsorship and business ventures than from sport itself.
2 Jon Rahm – £161.32m
The Spanish golfer shocked fans by earning more than £61 million more than Messi, largely thanks to LIV Golf’s staggering payouts.
1 Cristiano Ronaldo – £192.40m
CR7 reigns supreme, continuing to break records both on the pitch and at the bank.
Ronaldo’s extraordinary income solidifies his place as the most marketable athlete of all time, with endorsements from brands like Nike, Clear, and Binance adding to his fortune.
Fans have flooded social media congratulating him on yet another milestone in a career filled with them, with many calling him the “GOAT” not just of football but of sports business.
