Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes' Highest-Paid Athletes List for 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese soccer player, has once again topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, marking the fourth time in his illustrious career. Despite nearing the age of 40, Ronaldo's financial prowess remains unmatched, with total earnings of $260 million over the past year. This staggering sum includes $200 million from his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and $60 million from various endorsements.

Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 has significantly boosted his earnings, making him the highest-paid soccer player in history. His off-field income is bolstered by sponsorship deals with major brands like Nike and Herbalife, leveraging his massive social media following of 629 million on Instagram. This financial milestone underscores the growing influence of Saudi Arabia's investment in global sports, particularly soccer.

Following Ronaldo on the list is Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, who earned $218 million, largely due to his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour. Rahm's move, which reportedly included a $300 million guarantee, has made him the highest-earning golfer ever. His earnings highlight the financial impact of Saudi Arabia's foray into professional golf, which has disrupted traditional golf circuits like the PGA Tour.

Lionel Messi, another soccer legend, ranks third with $135 million in earnings. Messi's recent transfer to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami has not only increased his on-field earnings but also his off-field income, thanks to lucrative deals with Adidas and Apple. Messi's move to the United States has significantly raised the profile of MLS, making Inter Miami one of the most valuable franchises in the league.

LeBron James, the iconic NBA player, is fourth on the list with $128.2 million. James, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to be a dominant force both on and off the court. His off-court earnings of $80 million, the highest among the top ten athletes, come from endorsements and business ventures, including a new partnership with DraftKings and investments in the PGA Tour.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks star, rounds out the top five with $111 million. Known for his dynamic playing style and business acumen, Antetokounmpo has secured significant endorsement deals with Pepsi and Nike, contributing to his substantial off-field earnings.

The list also includes other prominent athletes such as French soccer star Kylian Mbappé, who earned $110 million, and Brazilian soccer player Neymar, with $108 million. Both players have benefited from the financial influx into the Saudi Pro League, with Neymar joining Al-Hilal and Mbappé expected to sign with Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema, another soccer player who moved to Saudi Arabia, earned $106 million, while NBA star Stephen Curry and NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson complete the top ten with $102 million and $100.5 million, respectively. Jackson's earnings are particularly notable as he negotiated his own contract with the Baltimore Ravens, securing a $72.5 million signing bonus.

Forbes' methodology for compiling this list involves extensive research, including conversations with industry insiders and analysis of salary databases. The figures reflect earnings from May 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, and include salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and other business ventures.

This year's list is historic, as it marks the first time all top ten athletes have earned over $100 million each, collectively amassing a record $1.38 billion. This milestone highlights the increasing financial opportunities available to top athletes, driven by lucrative contracts, endorsements, and the growing influence of global investment in sports.

However, the list also reveals a notable absence of female athletes, with no women making the top 50 for the first time since 2019. This underscores ongoing disparities in earnings between male and female athletes, despite the growing popularity and success of women's sports.

In conclusion, the 2024 Forbes list of highest-paid athletes not only showcases the immense earning potential of top sports stars but also reflects broader trends in the sports industry, including the significant impact of Saudi Arabia's investments and the enduring appeal of global icons like Ronaldo, Messi, and James.