In the world of sports, the most successful athletes not only make a name for themselves through their talent and hard work but also through their immense earning power. As sports continue to grow globally, athletes are leveraging their skills, marketability, and personal brands to secure lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures that go far beyond their salaries. In 2024, the top-earning athletes represent a variety of sports, from football (soccer) to basketball, tennis, and golf. Their success is not only a testament to their exceptional athletic abilities but also to their business acumen and global influence. This article takes a closer look at the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world, shedding light on how they achieved their massive fortunes and the factors driving their wealth. From multi-million-dollar contracts to multi-year endorsement deals, these athletes have solidified their places as not just sports icons but global superstars.
1. Lionel Messi – Football (Soccer)
- Total Earnings (2024): $170 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $65 million
- Endorsements: $105 million
- Background:
Lionel Messi is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. Over the course of his career, Messi has won 7 Ballon d’Ors, numerous league titles, and UEFA Champions League trophies. After a legendary career at FC Barcelona, Messi made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 and then joined Inter Miami in 2023, a move that boosted his earning potential due to significant commercial opportunities in the U.S. His endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser make up a large portion of his income.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Football (Soccer)
- Total Earnings (2024): $125 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $60 million
- Endorsements: $65 million
- Background:
Cristiano Ronaldo, often compared to Messi as one of the best footballers in history, has built his fortune through on-field success and a variety of endorsements. After a stint at Manchester United, Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where his earnings skyrocketed. In addition to his salary, Ronaldo is heavily involved in endorsement deals with Nike, Clear, and his own brand, CR7. His social media presence also adds a significant income stream.
3. Kylian Mbappé – Football (Soccer)
- Total Earnings (2024): $120 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $105 million
- Endorsements: $15 million
- Background:
Kylian Mbappé, one of the youngest superstars in football, has already established himself as one of the best players in the world. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Mbappé signed a lucrative contract extension in 2022. His earnings come from his astronomical salary as well as deals with Nike, Hublot, and other global brands. He is also known for his influence as a sports ambassador for France and his role in helping lead them to the World Cup final in 2022.
4. LeBron James – Basketball
- Total Earnings (2024): $119 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $65 million
- Endorsements: $54 million
- Background:
LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history. His career with the Los Angeles Lakers has been marked by championships, MVP awards, and incredible longevity. Beyond his basketball salary, James has a massive business empire, including a stake in Liverpool FC, investments in Blaze Pizza, and endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and AT&T. His media company, SpringHill Entertainment, has also been a major source of income.
5. Neymar Jr. – Football (Soccer)
- Total Earnings (2024): $105 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $75 million
- Endorsements: $30 million
- Background:
Neymar Jr. is a Brazilian football superstar who currently plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Known for his flair, skill, and controversial moments on the field, Neymar has built a fortune through a combination of his contract earnings and endorsement deals with companies like Puma, Red Bull, and Beats by Dre. His move to the Saudi Arabian club significantly increased his salary, and he remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
6. Roger Federer – Tennis
- Total Earnings (2024): $95 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $0 (retired)
- Endorsements: $95 million
- Background:
Though Roger Federer retired in 2022, he continues to be one of the highest-paid athletes due to his long-standing endorsement deals. Federer has partnered with top brands such as Unilever, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, and Wilson. His image as one of the sport’s all-time greats ensures his earnings from endorsements remain high even post-retirement.
7. Tom Brady – American Football
- Total Earnings (2024): $80 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $33 million (retired, including post-retirement deals)
- Endorsements: $47 million
- Background:
Tom Brady is considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history with 7 Super Bowl titles. Even though Brady retired after the 2022 season, his endorsement deals continue to pay him handsomely. He has lucrative partnerships with brands like Under Armour, T-Mobile, Brady Brand, and more. Additionally, he has business ventures in sports media with Fox Sports, where he signed a massive broadcasting deal.
8. Patrick Mahomes – American Football
- Total Earnings (2024): $75 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $65 million
- Endorsements: $10 million
- Background:
Patrick Mahomes, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, signed one of the largest sports contracts in history with a 10-year, $503 million deal. His on-field success, which includes two MVP awards and two Super Bowl titles, is complemented by endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, State Farm, and Oakley. Mahomes has quickly become one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
9. Tiger Woods – Golf
- Total Earnings (2024): $75 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $10 million
- Endorsements: $65 million
- Background:
Tiger Woods is one of the most iconic athletes of all time, dominating golf for two decades. While his earnings from playing have decreased due to injuries and fewer appearances, Woods continues to make significant money through endorsements with companies like Nike, Rolex, and Bridgestone Golf. He also has business ventures, including his golf course design company, which contributes to his wealth.
10. Steph Curry – Basketball
- Total Earnings (2024): $74 million
- Salary/Prize Money: $50 million
- Endorsements: $24 million
- Background:
Steph Curry, the superstar guard for the Golden State Warriors, has revolutionized basketball with his three-point shooting. His earnings come from a combination of his contract with the Warriors, lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Under Armour, Chase, and Callaway, as well as investments in tech companies. Curry’s marketability, both on and off the court, has made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Comparison Chart:
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Total Earnings (2024) | Salary/Prize Money | Endorsements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Football (Soccer) | $170 million | $65 million | $105 million |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football (Soccer) | $125 million | $60 million | $65 million |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappé | Football (Soccer) | $120 million | $105 million | $15 million |
| 4 | LeBron James | Basketball | $119 million | $65 million | $54 million |
| 5 | Neymar Jr. | Football (Soccer) | $105 million | $75 million | $30 million |
| 6 | Roger Federer | Tennis | $95 million | $0 | $95 million |
| 7 | Tom Brady | American Football | $80 million | $33 million | $47 million |
| 8 | Patrick Mahomes | American Football | $75 million | $65 million | $10 million |
| 9 | Tiger Woods | Golf | $75 million | $10 million | $65 million |
| 10 | Steph Curry | Basketball | $74 million | $50 million | $24 million |
Conclusion:
The highest-paid athletes in the world are a mix of legendary figures with long-term dominance in their respective sports, like Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods, and younger stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Patrick Mahomes who are already making massive earnings. Endorsements play a significant role in earnings.
