Top 10 Highest paid Athletes in 2024

Much has changed for Cristiano Ronaldo in the eight years since he first became the highest-paid athlete in the world. After dominating the Bernabéu with Real Madrid, the 39-year-old Portuguese soccer player had periods with Juventus and Manchester United before settling into his present home, Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League. However, one thing has been the same regardless of the location: Ronaldo continues to generate enormous pay cheques.

For the fourth time in his career, he became the highest-paid athlete in the world with an estimated $260 million during the past 12 months. According to Forbes, Ronaldo made $200 million this season from his deal with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo, one of the most successful pitchmen in sports, also made an additional $60 million off the pitch from his portfolio of endorsement deals, which included Herbalife, Nike, and Binance, among others.

Before taxes and agent fees, the top 50 athletes in the world earned an estimated $3.88 billion in the past 12 months, which is 13% more than the previous year’s record of $3.44 billion. Due in part to the Middle Eastern money still pouring into sports, almost 76%, or $2.94 billion, came from on-field revenues (salaries, bonuses, and prize money).

Their endorsements, appearances, licensing and memorabilia revenue, and other business activities account for the remaining 24%, or $936 million, which is a 13% decrease from $1.08 billion in the previous year.

Like last year, the cutoff for this year’s top 50 is $45.2 million, which is 20% more than the previous record set in 2022. Nevertheless, ten rookies were eligible for the ranking, and eight more made a comeback to the list after a year or more off.

Of all sports, the NBA has the most players (19), followed by the NFL (11), and international soccer (eight). Two of the top five players on the list are still affiliated with LIV Golf, with Jon Rahm holding the No. 2 position after joining the fledgling league in December.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: Who was better in 2024?

The fact that the Spanish golfer is one of 22 sportsmen under 30 on the list may indicate a shift in power. Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Ronaldo, and three more players who are 39 years of age or older may not be far behind. Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Tom Brady, perennial list-makers, have already retired.