Cristiano Ronaldo has once again topped the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his illustrious career, with golfer Jon Rahm moving up to second place. This ranking reaffirms Ronaldo’s status as not only one of the greatest footballers but also one of the most marketable and commercially successful athletes in the world.
Ronaldo’s Earnings and Impact
Ronaldo, who previously led the list last year following his high-profile move to the Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr, has continued to dominate in terms of earnings. According to Forbes, the 39-year-old Portuguese forward earned an astonishing $260 million (£205 million) over the past 12 months. This marks a significant increase from the $136 million (£108.7 million) he earned in the previous year. Ronaldo’s earnings are a testament to his global appeal, substantial salary, and lucrative endorsement deals. Watch Ronaldo in action on HD Live Sports.
Jon Rahm’s Rise
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has seen a remarkable rise in his earnings, jumping up to second place on the Forbes list. Rahm’s earnings reached $218 million (£172 million), largely due to his switch to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour. His move has significantly boosted his income, showcasing the financial impact and growing prominence of the LIV Golf tour in the sporting world. Catch all the golf action live on HD Live Sports.
Messi and Other Top Earners
Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival, has fallen to third place despite his continued success on and off the pitch. Messi earned $135 million (£107 million), placing him behind Rahm. Footballers Neymar and Karim Benzema have also made it into the top 10 after their respective moves to the Saudi Pro League, further highlighting the league’s growing financial influence. Stream Messi, Neymar, and Benzema live on HD Live Sports.
Basketball Stars and NFL Presence
The list also features prominent basketball stars, with Giannis Antetokounmpo in fifth place, LeBron James in fourth, and Stephen Curry in ninth. These NBA stars continue to command significant earnings through their playing contracts and various endorsement deals. Additionally, American football quarterback Lamar Jackson rounds out the top 10, showcasing the NFL’s financial clout. Enjoy all NBA and NFL games on HD Live Sports.
Record-Breaking Earnings
According to Forbes, the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes collectively earned a record-breaking $1.38 billion (£1.06 billion) before taxes and agents’ fees over the past 12 months. This impressive total is the highest ever recorded, underlining the lucrative nature of modern sports and the immense commercial value these athletes bring to the table
World’s Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes 2024
- Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $260m (£205m)
- Jon Rahm, golf: $218m (£172m)
- Lionel Messi, football: $135m (£107m)
- LeBron James, basketball: $128.2m (£101m)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, basketball: $111m (£88m)
- Kylian Mbappe, football: $110m (£87m)
- Neymar, football: $108m (£85m)
- Karim Benzema, football: $106m (£84m)
- Stephen Curry, basketball: $102m (£80m)
- Lamar Jackson, American football: $100.5m (£79m)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued dominance in earnings reflects his enduring appeal and success both on and off the field. The significant earnings of athletes like Jon Rahm and Lionel Messi highlight the diverse avenues through which modern athletes generate income, from club salaries to endorsements and new ventures like the LIV Golf tour. As the landscape of sports continues to evolve, the financial achievements of these athletes set new benchmarks for future generations. Watch all your favorite sports and stay updated with the latest news on HD Live Sports.