Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes for 2024 highlights the top earners from different sports, showing how their salaries, winnings and endorsement deals add up. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with a whopping net worth of $260 million, followed by golfer Jon Rahm at second place with $218 million. Other notable athletes like Lionel Messi, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo also took the top spots. The ranking emphasizes how sports stars are extending their influence beyond their athletic careers by using endorsement deals and business ventures to increase their earnings.
Here Are the Five Highest-Paid Athletes of 2024 You Should Know About, According to Forbes News
1. Cristiano Ronaldo \ $260 million \ Footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the top spot in the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2024 with an incredible earning of $260 million. This impressive sum comes from his high salary at Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr, where he continued to shine in the later years of his career. Ronaldo's income has also been boosted by his endorsement of major brands and business ventures such as the CR7 fashion and hotel brand. This achievement reflects his enduring popularity around the world and highlights his influence in both sport and business.
2. Jon Rahm \ $218 million \ Golfer

Jon Rahm made history by becoming the first golfer to top the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes with an impressive earnings of $218 million in 2024. This achievement reflects his success on and off the golf course, which was largely enhanced by his move to LIV Golf, which included a larger salary and signing bonus. Known for his powerful and strategic gameplay, Rahm has dominated tournaments and attracted major endorsement deals, solidifying his role as one of golf's most influential figures.
3. Lionel Messi \ $135 million \ Footballer

In 2024, Lionel Messi earned $135 million and topped the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes. This success highlights his strong influence in both sports and business, especially after his move to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. His career in the US has not only boosted his on-field performance but also opened new doors to endorsement deals with global brands like Adidas and Apple. Messi's influence extends beyond football, reflected in his ability to attract major sponsors across a variety of industries.
4. LeBron James \ $128.2 million \ Basketball

LeBron James was ranked among the highest-paid athletes in the world in Forbes' 2024 list, earning $128.2 million. His impressive income comes not only from his NBA salary with the Los Angeles Lakers, but also from his successful ventures outside of basketball. LeBron has lucrative brand partnerships with companies like Nike and PepsiCo, as well as investments in Blaze Pizza and his entertainment company, SpringHill. These business moves have helped solidify his status as a sports-business icon, showing that his influence extends far beyond the basketball court.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo \ $111 million \ Basketball

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo made the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid athletes with earnings of $111 million. The two-time NBA MVP, best known for his dominance with the Milwaukee Bucks, has expanded his reach beyond basketball through lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, JBL and WhatsApp. His global popularity and marketability have boosted his income and solidified his place as one of the NBA's most recognized stars. Giannis continues to blend top-tier athletic performance with a powerful brand presence that resonates around the world.
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