Discover the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2024, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and LeBron James. Explore how these athletes combine sports success with business ventures for massive earnings!
Sports continue to be a lucrative career for top athletes, with millions earned both on and off the field. The highest-paid athletes in 2024 are global superstars who dominate their sports while securing massive endorsement deals and business ventures. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes of 2024, whose earnings reflect their success and influence beyond the game.
The Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World in 2024
1. Lionel Messi (Football)
- Total Earnings: $130 million
- Why He’s on Top: The Argentine legend continues to be one of the highest-paid athletes due to his high salary at Inter Miami and endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and others. Messi’s transfer to the MLS has not only boosted his salary but also expanded his global marketability.
- Key Endorsements: Adidas, PepsiCo, and luxury watch brand Jacob & Co.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football)
- Total Earnings: $120 million
- Why He’s on Top: Despite moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, Ronaldo remains one of the most marketable athletes globally. His salary in Saudi Arabia is astronomical, and his deals with Nike, Herbalife, and his own CR7 brand continue to contribute significantly to his income.
- Key Endorsements: Nike, CR7 clothing and accessories, and Herbalife.
3. LeBron James (Basketball)
- Total Earnings: $110 million
- Why He’s on Top: LeBron James remains the king of the NBA, not just with his on-court earnings but also with his extensive business ventures, including his production company and equity stakes in various companies. His lifetime deal with Nike and other endorsements make him a perennial high-earner.
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Beats by Dre, Blaze Pizza.
4. Canelo Álvarez (Boxing)
- Total Earnings: $100 million
- Why He’s on Top: Canelo remains the highest-paid boxer in the world. His fights generate massive pay-per-view revenue, and he continues to secure lucrative sponsorships with brands like Under Armour and Hennessy.
- Key Endorsements: Under Armour, Hennessy, Everlast.
5. Neymar Jr. (Football)
- Total Earnings: $95 million
- Why He’s on Top: After his transfer to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, Neymar’s income skyrocketed with one of the highest football salaries globally. His off-field endorsements, including deals with Puma and other brands, continue to generate significant income.
- Key Endorsements: Puma, Red Bull, Gillette.
6. Stephen Curry (Basketball)
- Total Earnings: $92 million
- Why He’s on Top: The Golden State Warriors star is not only one of the best players in the NBA but also one of the highest earners. Curry’s endorsement portfolio, particularly with Under Armour, and his ventures into media and tech keep him in the top 10.
- Key Endorsements: Under Armour, CarMax, and Rakuten.
7. Kevin Durant (Basketball)
- Total Earnings: $88 million
- Why He’s on Top: Kevin Durant’s earnings come from his salary with the Phoenix Suns and his lucrative endorsements with brands like Nike. Additionally, his investments in tech and media contribute to his earnings.
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Boardroom (his media platform), and Thirty Five Ventures.
8. Roger Federer (Tennis, Retired)
- Total Earnings: $85 million
- Why He’s on Top: Even after retiring, Federer remains one of the highest-paid athletes due to his long-term endorsement deals with brands like Uniqlo, Rolex, and Wilson. His business ventures and investments also contribute to his income.
- Key Endorsements: Uniqlo, Rolex, Wilson.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Basketball)
- Total Earnings: $80 million
- Why He’s on Top: The Milwaukee Bucks star continues to dominate both on the court and in the endorsement world. His max contract extension and deals with brands like Nike and JBL have solidified his place among the top earners.
- Key Endorsements: Nike, JBL, Google.
10. Tiger Woods (Golf)
- Total Earnings: $75 million
- Why He’s on Top: Despite reduced activity in competitive golf, Tiger Woods remains one of the highest-paid athletes due to his enduring endorsement deals and business ventures, including his golf course design company.
- Key Endorsements: Nike, TaylorMade, Monster Energy.
Sources
- Sports insights: Data compiled from sports financial reports, athlete earnings from salaries, endorsements, and business ventures for the year 2024.
- Expert analysis: Based on rankings from leading sports media platforms and financial reports highlighting the top-earning athletes across the globe.
Conclusion
In 2024, the world’s highest-paid athletes are excelling both on and off the field, leveraging their sports success to secure lucrative endorsements and business deals. From football stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to basketball icons like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, these athletes have mastered the art of combining their sporting careers with business acumen. Whether through brand endorsements or entrepreneurial ventures, these top 10 athletes continue to lead the pack in global earnings.
While their performances in their respective sports cement their legacies, it’s their ability to build lasting brands and diversify their income streams that sets them apart. For athletes like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods, even in retirement or reduced activity, their legacy and endorsement appeal keep them among the highest earners. Meanwhile, rising stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo are climbing the ranks with both on-court success and high-profile endorsements.
FAQs
Q: Who is the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2024?
A: Lionel Messi takes the top spot in 2024, with an estimated $130 million in earnings from both his salary at Inter Miami and his extensive endorsement deals.
Q: How do athletes make most of their money?
A: Most top athletes earn a significant portion of their income through endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures, in addition to their salaries or prize money from their respective sports.
