Top 10 Highest Earning Athletes in 2024

Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-earning athletes in 2024 and their brand endorsements. This group’s combined earnings reveal the significant financial opportunities athletes now command through club contracts, sponsorships, and entrepreneurial ventures.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $260 Million

Sport: Soccer (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia)

On-field earnings: $200 million

Endorsements: $60 million, including Nike (lifetime contract), Armani, Tag Heuer, Herbalife, Livescore, Binance, and his own CR7 brand hotels and apparel.

Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract makes him the top earner with an annual salary of $200 million, making his move from Europe to Saudi Arabia one of the most lucrative transitions in soccer history.

2. Jon Rahm – $218 Million

Sport: Golf (LIV Golf)

On-field earnings: $198 million

Endorsements: $20 million with Callaway, Mercedes-Benz, Rolex, and Santander.

Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf gave him a massive financial boost, placing him among the world’s top earners in sports despite limited tournament wins this year.

3. Lionel Messi – $135 Million

Sport: Soccer (Inter Miami, USA)

On-field earnings: $65 million

Endorsements: $70 million with Adidas, Pepsi, Mastercard, Konami, Budweiser, Lowe’s, and Apple.

Messi’s switch to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami has revitalized U.S. soccer and strengthened his endorsement portfolio, adding U.S.-centric brands like Lowe’s and Apple to his lineup.

4. LeBron James – $128.2 Million

Sport: Basketball (Los Angeles Lakers, NBA)

On-field earnings: $48.2 million

Endorsements: $80 million, featuring deals with Nike, Pepsi, Beats by Dre, and his media company SpringHill Entertainment.

LeBron’s business savvy includes investments in Fenway Sports Group and the launch of his own production company, expanding his wealth and reach beyond the court.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111 Million

Sport: Basketball (Milwaukee Bucks, NBA)

On-field earnings: $46 million

Endorsements: $65 million, with Nike, Google, and Starry (Pepsi’s beverage brand).

Giannis has diversified his endorsements, launching a production company in early 2024 and increasing his media presence and reach with brands like Nike and Google.

6. Kylian Mbappé – $110 Million

Sport: Soccer (Paris Saint-Germain, expected transfer to Real Madrid)

On-field earnings: $90 million

Endorsements: $20 million with Nike, Hublot, and Oakley.

With consistent performance and strong global appeal, Mbappé’s commercial value continues to grow. His Nike partnership remains significant as he prepares for a possible high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.

7. Neymar – $108 Million

Sport: Soccer (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia)

On-field earnings: $80 million

Endorsements: $28 million, primarily with Puma and Red Bull.

Neymar’s marketability remains robust, with major deals like his Puma contract keeping him a top-earning athlete even as he plays in the Middle Eastern league.

8. Karim Benzema – $106 Million

Sport: Soccer (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)

On-field earnings: $100 million

Endorsements: $6 million, primarily from Adidas.

Benzema’s transfer from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad not only highlighted the Saudi league’s growing allure but also substantially boosted his earnings through new opportunities in the region.

9. Stephen Curry – $102 Million

Sport: Basketball (Golden State Warriors, NBA)

On-field earnings: $52 million

Endorsements: $50 million, including a significant deal with Under Armour, along with his own production company.

Curry’s Under Armour line, as well as his media production ventures, have made him a dominant off-court figure, securing his position among the NBA’s top earners.

10. Lamar Jackson – $100.5 Million

Sport: Football (Baltimore Ravens, NFL)

On-field earnings: $98.5 million

Endorsements: $2 million

Following his new contract with the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson’s earnings reflect his value in the NFL. His brand deals remain modest, though his profile continues to rise as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.

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These athletes have strategically leveraged both sports achievements and brand partnerships to secure their high earnings, with sponsorships adding major financial layers to their sportscontracts.

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