Sri Krishna
The past year saw a surge in earnings for the world’s top athletes, with an estimated $1.11 billion collected before taxes and agents’ fees. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the highest-paid athletes of 2024 across football, golf, basketball, tennis, and boxing:
Table of Contents
- 1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million)
- 2. Lionel Messi ($130 million)
- 3. Kylian Mbappé ($120 million)
- 4. LeBron James ($119.5 million)
- 5. Canelo Álvarez ($110 million)
- 6. Dustin Johnson ($107 million)
- 7. Phil Mickelson ($106 million)
- 8. Stephen Curry ($100.4 million)
- 9. Roger Federer ($95.1 million)
- 10. Kevin Durant ($89.1 million)
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $46 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $90 million
- Nationality: Portugal
- Sport: Soccer
- Age: 38
- Overview: Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr from Manchester United significantly boosted his annual playing salary to an estimated $75 million. This propelled him to the top of the earnings list for the first time since 2017, setting an all-time high for football players.
2. Lionel Messi ($130 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $65 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $65 million
- Nationality: Argentina
- Sport: Soccer
- Age: 35
- Overview: Messi’s consistent success on the field, coupled with his global appeal and recent victory at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, contributed to his staggering total earnings of $130 million.
3. Kylian Mbappé ($120 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $100 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $20 million
- Nationality: France
- Sport: Soccer
- Age: 24
- Overview: Mbappé made his debut in the top ten earnings list with a total of $120 million, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes under 30. His on-field earnings surpassed those of Ronaldo and Messi, making him a rising star in the football world.
4. LeBron James ($119.5 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $44.5 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $75 million
- Nationality: U.S.
- Sport: Basketball
- Age: 38
- Overview: James made history by becoming the first active athlete certified as a billionaire by Forbes. His diverse portfolio of investments, including sports nutrition and entertainment ventures, contributed to his substantial earnings.
5. Canelo Álvarez ($110 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $100 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $10 million
- Nationality: Mexico
- Sport: Boxing
- Age: 32
- Overview: Álvarez demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit with ventures in sports drinks, fitness apps, and even a gas station chain. His total earnings of $110 million solidify his status as one of the top-earning athletes in the world.
6. Dustin Johnson ($107 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $102 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $5 million
- Nationality: U.S.
- Sport: Golf
- Age: 38
- Overview: Despite losing sponsors due to his move to Saudi-backed LIV Golf, Johnson’s impressive prize money earnings made him the biggest gainer of the year, showcasing his dominance in the golfing world.
7. Phil Mickelson ($106 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $104 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $2 million
- Nationality: U.S.
- Sport: Golf
- Age: 52
- Overview: Mickelson, a seasoned golfer with five major championships under his belt, continues to excel both on and off the course. His performance at the 2023 Masters Tournament further solidified his status as one of the sport’s greatest players.
8. Stephen Curry ($100.4 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $48.4 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $52 million
- Nationality: U.S.
- Sport: Basketball
- Age: 35
- Overview: Curry achieved a milestone by surpassing $100 million in earnings for the first time in his career. His lucrative NBA salary, combined with endorsement deals and investments in various ventures, contributed to his impressive total earnings.
9. Roger Federer ($95.1 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $0.1 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $95 million
- Nationality: Switzerland
- Sport: Tennis
- Age: 41
- Overview: Federer, after retiring from professional tennis, ventured into licensing agreements for his brand, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.
10. Kevin Durant ($89.1 million)
- On-Field Earnings: $44.1 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $45 million
- Nationality: U.S.
- Sport: Basketball
- Age: 34
- Overview: Known as KD, Durant diversified his earnings through investments and secured a lifetime deal with Nike, joining the ranks of basketball legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
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