Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Tom Brady, renowned sports superstars, have once again secured spots among the world’s highest-paid athletes. They have collectively made 25 appearances in the top 50 list over the past twelve years. This year, the cutoff for the top 50 is a staggering $45.2 million, a 20% increase from last year’s record. top 10 highest paid athletes
In total, these athletes earned an estimated $3.44 billion over the past year, with $2.36 billion coming from on-field earnings and $1.08 billion from off-field ventures. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with earnings of $136 million, while 16 of the top earners are under 30 years old.
Cristiano Ronaldo ($136M)
In February 2021, Ronaldo achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person to amass 500 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. By April 2022, his follower count had surged to an astounding 849 million. In March 2021, Ronaldo surpassed the legendary Pele’s goal record, reaching a total of 770 goals across all competitions after scoring a hat trick against Serie A rival Cagliari.
Later, in August 2021, Ronaldo made a noteworthy transfer from Juventus to Manchester United, returning to the club where he had previously played from 2003 to 2009. Subsequently, in December 2022, he made another move, this time joining Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.
Lionel Messi ($130M)
Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player, secured his seventh Ballon d’Or title in 2021, surpassing his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. He made a significant move from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, bidding farewell to his long-standing professional home.
In January 2021, a contract leak revealed that Messi was earning a staggering $165 million annually in salary and incentives at Barcelona. Additionally, he signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Socios, a fan engagement app, in March 2022, guaranteeing him $20 million per year. Furthermore, Messi established his own clothing line and opened the Messi Store in Barcelona in 2019, in addition to his enduring partnership with Adidas.
Kylian Mbappé ($120M)
Mbappe, at just 24 years old, has emerged as the face of French soccer. He has garnered numerous accolades, including three Ligue 1 Player of the Year Awards and four-time leading scorer in the league. He is on track to secure his fifth goals title in the 2022-23 season.
Additionally, Mbappe has forged partnerships with renowned brands like Nike and Hublot. Notably, in 2020, he was selected by EA Sports to feature on the cover of “FIFA 21,” becoming one of the youngest ever to receive this honor.
LeBron James ($119.5M)
James is the first NBA player to reach billionaire status, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1 billion in June 2022. He faced a challenging upbringing, living with various family members, friends, and neighbors until he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Throughout his career with the Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, James has earned over $430 million in pretax salary.
Off the court, he has amassed over $900 million (pretax) through business ventures and endorsement deals with notable brands like PepsiCo, Walmart, and Nike. James’s equity investments in companies like Beats by Dre and Blaze Pizza have also contributed to his billionaire status.
Canelo Alvarez ($110M)
The boxing champion earns millions of dollars per fight and recently partnered with Excel Sports Management. This groundbreaking deal made him the first boxer to join the agency’s roster. He also enjoys a profitable collaboration with Hennessy and owns a popular taco restaurant in Mexico.
Additionally, he promotes boxing matches, concerts, and other events through his companies Canelo Promotions and Canelo Espectaculos. Moreover, he has diversified his business ventures by launching a clothing line, introducing a branded credit card with a fintech firm, and creating his own sports drink and fitness app.
Dustin Johnson ($107M)
In 2020, Johnson emerged as the winner of the FedEx Cup, securing the coveted $15 million prize. Adding to his success, he triumphed at the delayed Masters tournament two months later, earning his second major title. Making headlines once again, Johnson made a significant career move in 2022 by joining the upstart LIV Golf tour, backed by Saudi Arabia.
This decision proved lucrative as he received a substantial upfront payment and accumulated over $35 million in LIV prize money and bonuses. However, this move came at a cost as Johnson lost his longstanding partnership with Adidas in February 2023.
Phil Mickelson ($106M)
Mickelson made history in 2021, winning the PGA Championship and becoming the oldest major winner in golf at the age of 50. This victory added to his total of six major titles. Two years later, at 52, he surprised everyone with a second-place finish at the Masters.
However, his career took a hit when he faced controversy in February 2022 for his comments about ignoring human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. This led to the loss of sponsorships from companies like Workday and KPMG.
Stephen Curry ($100.4M)
The two-time MVP, Stephen Curry, made history in 2017 by signing the NBA’s first-ever $200 million contract. In 2021, he further solidified his status by becoming the first player to have two such lucrative deals, as he extended his contract for four years at $215 million.
Curry’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish SC30, a company that oversees his investments, brand partnerships, and philanthropic endeavors. Under Armour made a significant move in November 2020 by introducing Curry Brand, aiming to rival Nike’s popular Jordan Brand.
Roger Federer ($95.1M)
Federer boasts an unrivaled sponsor portfolio, making him the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2020 and ranking him at No. 10 in 2023. His most significant deal is with Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo, securing a ten-year contract worth $300 million in 2018.
While he has earned $130 million in prize money throughout his career, his off-court earnings from appearances and endorsements far surpass that amount. A potential major windfall awaits Federer through his ownership stake in Swiss athletic apparel company On, which went public in September 2021.
Kevin Durant ($89.1M)
Durant’s basketball career took a turn when he left the Golden State Warriors after three years and joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, signing a lucrative four-year contract worth $164 million. In February 2023, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. Apart from his on-court earnings, Durant earns more than $40 million annually through various endorsement deals with companies like Coinbase, NBA Top Shot, and Weedmaps.
