Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the top spot in Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time, with Spanish golfer Jon Rahm following closely behind after his switch to Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has helped boost his earnings to an estimated $260 million, with $200 million coming from on-field earnings and $60 million from various sponsorship deals leveraging his massive social media following of 629 million Instagram followers. Rahm, on the other hand, joined LIV Golf in a deal worth at least $300 million, making him one of the only two athletes to earn over $200 million along with Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi, the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, comes in third on the list after making a lucrative move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. The Argentine World Cup winner has earned $135 million, with $65 million coming from on-field earnings and $70 million from sponsorship deals with major brands like Adidas and Apple. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James ranks fourth at $128.2 million, with the 39-year-old nearing the end of his career but set to compete in his final Olympics. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks rounds out the top five with earnings of $111 million.
Kylian Mbappe, the France soccer captain, has dropped down to sixth on the list with earnings of $110 million after announcing his departure from Paris St Germain to likely join Real Madrid in the upcoming season. Former PSG star Neymar, who moved to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, comes in seventh with earnings of $108 million despite a season-ending injury. Karim Benzema, also moving to Saudi Arabia, is eighth with $106 million in earnings followed by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry at ninth with earnings of $102 million. The only NFL player on the list is Lamar Jackson, earning $100.5 million, thanks to a signing bonus in his new Baltimore Ravens contract.
