In 2024, the world’s richest athletes command not only unparalleled skill but also immense wealth, thanks to lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures.

By Efosa Taiwo

As sports continue to captivate audiences worldwide, the allure of athletic prowess extends beyond just on-field achievements.

In 2024, the world’s richest athletes command not only unparalleled skill but also immense wealth, thanks to lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout names on the coveted list , per Sportico, of the wealthiest sports stars:

Richest athletes in 2024

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $424 million

Cristiano Ronaldo’s annual income of $424 million showcases his unmatched financial prowess, surpassing all competitors by a significant margin. His historic move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr secured him the most lucrative contract in sports history, while his extensive endorsement deals further bolster his staggering earnings. Ronaldo’s financial empire extends far beyond football, ensuring a legacy of abundance for generations to come.

2. Jon Rahm – $313 million

Jon Rahm’s meteoric rise on the list of highest-earning athletes may come as a surprise to many, considering he was nowhere near the top 100 just a year ago. However, as the defending Masters champion, Rahm recently experienced a significant pay increase thanks to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

In a groundbreaking move, Rahm joined the renegade league LIV at the end of 2023 for a reported fee of up to $900 million. Sportico estimates his annual earnings from this deal at $280 million, a staggering sum that, combined with his winnings from premier golf tournaments, places Rahm at the pinnacle of sporting wealth – second only to one other athlete.

3. Lionel Messi – $200 million

After making the move to Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi inked a lucrative new contract valued at $100 million annually. While certainly a substantial amount, it falls short of the earnings of two other soccer stars who’ve graced this prestigious list. However, Messi’s millions aren’t solely derived from his on-field exploits. With a staggering fan base exceeding 500 million on Instagram alone, Messi stands as one of the most influential figures globally. Leveraging his immense reach, he has collaborated with renowned brands such as Adidas, Budweiser, Pepsi, and Air Europa, reaping substantial rewards for his promotional efforts.

4. LeBron James – $194 million

LeBron James narrowly edges out Kylian Mbappe by a mere million in earnings. While this sum may seem staggering to the average 9-5er like you or me, it pales in comparison to the financial landscape of athletes at this level. Despite not boasting the largest NBA contract – a title held by Steph Curry – LeBron’s off-court revenue and entrepreneurial acumen set him apart. With lucrative endorsements from giants like Nike, AT&T, Pepsi, and Walmart, alongside his partial ownership of a pizza franchise and English football club Liverpool, LeBron garners nearly two-thirds of his annual income from these ventures.

5. Kylian Mbappe – $193 million

Despite receiving numerous offers from Europe’s elite clubs and tempting offers from Middle Eastern teams, Kylian Mbappé remained steadfast in his commitment to Paris Saint-Germain, signing a new contract with the club in 2022. As of now, the prodigious French talent continues to ply his trade with PSG. However, with his contract set to expire this year, speculation about his future abounds.

Mbappé currently commands a staggering nine-digit wage, firmly establishing himself as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. With his exceptional talent and marketability, he appears poised to dominate the world of football for years to come. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal keeps fans and pundits alike on edge, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Mbappé’s illustrious career.

6. Neymar – $187 million

Neymar’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn with his move from the renowned Paris Saint-Germain to the lesser-known Al-Hilal, a shift that reflects the burgeoning influence of Saudi Arabian sports investment. Despite possessing the talent to grace any club worldwide, Neymar, at 32, opted for an unconventional path.

Joining Al-Hilal on what was then the second-largest contract in football history, Neymar’s decision raised eyebrows. However, his tenure at the Saudi Arabian club has been marred by setbacks, as a string of persistent injuries limited him to just five appearances since his arrival in August 2023. This unfortunate turn of events underscores the challenges and risks associated with such high-profile transfers, leaving many to question the return on investment for both player and club.

7. Steph Curry – $152 million

While Steph Curry may not hold the title of the highest-earning NBA player on this list, he boasts the most substantial contract in basketball history. Curry’s jaw-dropping contract fetches him an astronomical $75 million annually, setting a new benchmark for basketball salaries. Moreover, Curry’s earnings skyrocket even further through lucrative endorsement deals with industry giants like Under Armour, creators of his signature line of shoes, as well as partnerships with Nissan, Sony, Chase, and JP Morgan. With his blend of on-court excellence and off-court business acumen, Curry solidifies his status as one of the most financially successful athletes in the world.

8. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $116 million

The Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has cemented his status as one of the premier basketball talents globally, boasting two MVP awards and a championship victory with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. What sets Antetokounmpo apart on this list is that his earnings from endorsements surpass those from his contracted salary, a testament to his immense popularity and marketability.

Like many NBA stars, a significant portion of Antetokounmpo’s sponsorship income stems from his signature line of shoes. In his case, he has struck a lucrative deal with sportswear giant Nike, underscoring his influence both on and off the court. As one of the most dominant forces in basketball today, Antetokounmpo’s partnership with Nike further solidifies his position as a global icon in the world of sports.

9. Patrick Mahomes – $130m

As the linchpin of the NFL’s premier dynasty, Patrick Mahomes has solidified his place among the all-time great quarterbacks. With three Super Bowl triumphs for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2020, Mahomes has not only etched his name in history but has also reaped substantial rewards for his efforts. While his contract earns him an impressive $92 million annually, Mahomes falls short of possessing the NFL’s largest contract, a title held by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

However, where Mahomes truly excels is in his sponsorship earnings, far surpassing his peers in this regard. With endorsement deals from Adidas, Subway, State Farm, and Oakley, Mahomes rakes in close to $40 million in additional income. This robust portfolio of endorsements further underscores Mahomes’ stature as a transcendent figure both on and off the field, solidifying his status as one of the most marketable athletes in professional sports.

10. Max Verstappen – $116m

In Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s dominance extends beyond the race track to his salary, where he maintains a considerable lead over his closest competitors. With a well-deserved long-term contract with Red Bull, Verstappen’s place on the list of richest athletes in 2024 seems secure for the foreseeable future. While the champion racer certainly isn’t lacking in financial resources, increasing his sponsorship revenue could propel him further up the rankings. Currently, sponsorships contribute just $8 million to Verstappen’s staggering total income of $116 million. To climb higher on this list, Verstappen may need to enhance his appeal to potential sponsors, leveraging his exceptional talent and growing global profile to attract more lucrative endorsement deals. With his track record of success and immense potential, Verstappen possesses the necessary ingredients to bolster his financial standing both on and off the circuit.

Vanguard News