Top 50 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World in 2024: Who’s Dominating the Game and the Bank?

The financial landscape of global sports continues to evolve, and 2024 has proven to be a landmark year in that transformation. According to Forbes, the combined earnings of the world’s top 50 athletes reached unprecedented levels over the past year, with footballers, basketball stars, boxers, and golfers all staking claims to staggering fortunes. These earnings reflect not just salaries, but also the commercial value of athlete branding, sponsorship deals, media appearances, and personal business ventures.

From Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive deal in Saudi Arabia to LeBron James’ expanding investment portfolio, elite athletes are no longer just performers on the field — they are global financial entities. The list is a showcase of performance, fame, and market positioning, with an increasing presence of athletes who capitalise on both sports and business. Among the broader conversation about sports and earnings, Melbet Ghana emerges as a brand that reflects the growing intersection between fandom and financial opportunity. Be sure to read to the end of the article to uncover a special promo code from Melbet that increases the maximum welcome bonus available to new users.

Methodology

Forbes compiled the list based on earnings between June 2023 and June 2024. The totals include prize money, salaries, bonuses, and endorsement income. Estimates rely on publicly available data, including player contracts, sponsorship disclosures, and expert projections. In cases where exact figures weren’t available, informed estimates were made. Notably, the list doesn’t account for taxes or agent fees, meaning the gross income might not reflect net earnings.

Positions 50–41

The tail end of the top 50 includes some rising stars and consistent earners from major US sports leagues. Athletes like Jimmy Butler (NBA) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (football) round out this tier with a mix of lucrative contracts and growing endorsement portfolios. Particularly among NFL and NBA athletes, recent contract renewals and performance-based bonuses have played a key role in boosting earnings. Golfers like Tony Finau also appear in this bracket, thanks to the influence of LIV Golf’s high-stakes contracts.

50. Russell Wilson – £42.9M

Although his on-field performance faced challenges, Wilson’s NFL contract and endorsement portfolio ensured his earnings stayed robust.

49. Xander Schauffele – £42.9M

A model of consistency in golf, Schauffele combined prize money with dependable brand partnerships to equal Wilson’s income.

48. Sadio Mané – £43.2M

His switch to the Saudi Pro League resulted in a major salary bump, compensating for a relatively lower endorsement footprint.

47. Kyler Murray – £43.7M

Injuries sidelined him for part of the season, but his lucrative long-term deal with the Cardinals kept his finances on track.

46. Vinícius Júnior – £44M

The Brazilian winger’s elevated status at Real Madrid, paired with a rising international profile, contributed to a strong earning year.

45. Tiger Woods – £44.3M

Woods’s income came almost entirely from off-course ventures, as his legacy continues to attract high-value endorsements.

44. Jayson Tatum – £44.6M

Tatum’s star power in the NBA and increasing sponsor interest combined to land him among the world’s top earners.

43. Paul George – £45M

George’s reliable NBA salary, along with steady brand associations, pushed him to the £45 million mark.

42. Kawhi Leonard – £45.8M

Notoriously private, Leonard still commands an elite salary and benefits from select endorsement deals that yield major returns.

41. Nikola Jokić – £46.1M

The reigning MVP leaned almost entirely on his Denver Nuggets contract, proving that salary alone can drive massive earnings.

Positions 40–31

This segment introduces athletes whose fame has grown alongside their bank accounts. Stars like Mohamed Salah and Ja Morant benefit not only from team salaries but also from regional marketing deals. The crossover appeal of players from Europe and the Middle East is becoming more evident, especially in football, where commercial opportunities extend far beyond the pitch. This tier also includes Formula One talents like George Russell, whose media value continues to rise as F1 gains popularity in new global markets.

40. Bradley Beal – £46.6M

Despite switching teams to Phoenix, Beal’s enormous NBA contract ensured his earnings remained unaffected.

39. Devin Booker – £46.6M

Matching Beal pound for pound, Booker combined elite-level performance with a rising endorsement profile to reach the same total.

38. Luka Dončić – £46.8M

The Slovenian sensation’s star status both in the NBA and internationally pushed his yearly take to nearly £47 million.

37. Jimmy Butler – £47.8M

Butler capitalized on his reputation and charisma, merging on-court achievements with high-profile partnerships to approach the £48 million mark.

36. Joel Embiid – £48.3M

Embiid’s MVP crown brought increased visibility, allowing him to boost his income through both his salary and new commercial ventures.

35. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – £49M

After a breakout campaign, Shai turned heads on and off the court, landing a top-tier contract and surging into the top earners list.

34. Erling Haaland – £49.6M

The Manchester City striker’s relentless scoring form and rising marketability helped him close in on £50 million in 2024.

33. Anthony Edwards – £49.7M

A breakout All-Star season led to a significant contract boost and endorsement growth, pushing Edwards’ income just shy of the £50M line.

32. Josh Allen – £52.9M

Thanks to generous bonuses and a growing media presence, Allen’s earnings approached £53 million during a standout year.

31. CeeDee Lamb – £53.4M

Lamb’s electric performances helped him secure not only accolades but also over £53 million in total pay, making him one of the NFL’s top earners.

Positions 30–21

The next bracket is marked by the influence of the Saudi Pro League and high-value NFL quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson’s contract with the Baltimore Ravens and Justin Herbert’s deal with the Chargers contributed significantly to their spots on the list. Meanwhile, players like Riyad Mahrez benefited from high-profile transfers to the Middle East, where salary structures are designed to attract global talent. These moves reflect how geography is influencing the financial strategies of elite players.

30. Blake Snell – £53.9M

Snell’s recent lucrative short-term contract propelled his earnings close to £54 million, largely thanks to his salary.

29. Damian Lillard – £54M

The move to Milwaukee didn’t impact Lillard’s financial standing; his elite salary and growing brand endorsements kept him earning big.

28. Justin Jefferson – £57.8M

With a groundbreaking contract as a wide receiver, Jefferson’s 2024 income saw a substantial jump.

27. Tua Tagovailoa – £57.9M

Tua’s on-field performances combined with contract bonuses pushed his total earnings near the £58 million mark.

26. Justin Herbert – £58.9M

As a franchise cornerstone, Herbert’s sizable contract firmly placed him among the NFL’s top earners.

25. Neymar – £60.8M

While endorsement deals dipped, Neymar’s transfer to Saudi Arabia significantly raised his salary package.

24. Max Verstappen – £62.4M

Verstappen’s F1 dominance translated into hefty bonuses and sponsorships, surpassing £62 million in earnings.

23. Lewis Hamilton – £64M

Hamilton maintained his status as one of the wealthiest athletes through a combination of top-tier F1 pay and lucrative endorsements.

22. Canelo Alvarez – £64M

Canelo’s major bouts generated enormous pay-per-view revenue, culminating in a total income of £64 million.

21. Trevor Lawrence – £64.4M

Thanks to a new contract, 2024 marked Lawrence’s most financially successful year to date.

Positions 20–11

This group includes some of the most recognisable names in sports. Kylian Mbappé remains one of football’s most valuable stars, with a salary at PSG that rivals top NBA contracts. Deontay Wilder and other boxers have also surged in rankings thanks to multi-million dollar fight purses. The presence of Phil Mickelson highlights the continued financial power of golf, with LIV’s backing offering deals well beyond traditional tour winnings. Athletes in this range are household names, both for their talent and their market appeal.

20. Jared Goff – £64.6M

Goff’s substantial Detroit contract was the driving force behind his £64.6 million earnings.

19. Jordan Love – £66.4M

A standout season combined with a cleverly structured contract helped Love surpass the £66 million mark.

18. Patrick Mahomes – £69.4M

Mahomes continues to rank among the NFL’s highest earners, benefiting from a lucrative salary and solid endorsement deals.

17. Rory McIlroy – £70.3M

A series of tournament victories and major sponsorships kept McIlroy’s earnings above £70 million.

16. Kylian Mbappé – £72M

Mbappé’s contract with PSG and his worldwide popularity secured him a £72 million income in 2024.

15. Deshaun Watson – £73.4M

Despite off-field issues, Watson’s guaranteed NFL salary contributed to a massive payout.

14. Scottie Scheffler – £74M

Scheffler’s exceptional form and endorsement deals combined to make it a record-breaking year financially.

13. Giannis Antetokounmpo – £75.5M

Giannis blended NBA superstardom with international partnerships to earn over £75 million.

12. Jon Rahm – £80M

Rahm’s move to LIV Golf brought a substantial signing bonus, pushing his total income to £80 million.

11. Oleksandr Usyk – £80.8M

Usyk’s blockbuster fights alone netted him close to £81 million in 2024.

Positions 10–6

The top ten begins to reflect true global dominance. Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami combined salary with an ownership stake and sponsorship bonuses, securing his place among the elite. Shohei Ohtani’s historic deal with the Dodgers, reportedly worth $700 million over ten years, represents the highest-value contract in professional baseball history. LeBron James continues to combine NBA earnings with smart investments and major endorsement deals, maintaining his status as a top earner well into the later stages of his career.

10. Kevin Durant – £81.1M

Durant combined hefty NBA salaries with smart investment moves to amass £81.1 million.

9. Shohei Ohtani – £82M

Ohtani’s endorsement deals outpaced even his record-setting contract earnings.

8. Karim Benzema – £83.2M

Benzema’s lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia pushed his 2024 income beyond £83 million.

7. Juan Soto – £91.2M

Soto’s one-year contract with the Yankees delivered an impressive £91.2 million paycheck.

6. LeBron James – £107M

LeBron’s vast business ventures and endorsements powered his income to a remarkable £107 million.

Top 5

The five highest-paid athletes in 2024 are icons of global sport. Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list, boosted by his Al-Nassr salary and massive personal brand. Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf brought him a contract estimated at over $300 million. Lionel Messi, despite being further down the list, remains one of the highest off-pitch earners. Canelo Alvarez commands enormous pay-per-view revenues, while Stephen Curry rounds out the top five, with a balance of NBA earnings and brand partnerships. These figures show how the top tier combines talent, longevity, and brand power.

5. Lionel Messi – £108M

Messi’s combination of MLS salary and worldwide sponsorships propelled his earnings beyond £108 million.

4. Dak Prescott – £109.6M

Prescott’s record-setting contract with the Dallas Cowboys fueled a £109.6 million haul.

3. Tyson Fury – £116.8M

Fury’s boxing bouts alone raked in close to £117 million in 2024.

2. Stephen Curry – £124.8M

Curry’s off-court endorsements nearly matched his lucrative NBA salary.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £220M

Dominating 2024, Ronaldo topped the charts with staggering paychecks and global brand partnerships.

Key Trends in 2024 Sports Wealth

Several trends stand out in this year’s rankings. First, the impact of Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports, especially football and boxing, has dramatically shifted the earnings landscape. Second, LIV Golf’s disruption of traditional golf structures has created record-high player deals. Third, brand power remains as important as athletic performance — players who leverage social media and endorsements effectively continue to outperform their peers financially. Finally, more athletes are expanding into entrepreneurship and equity-based deals, reflecting a new era of financial planning.

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Conclusion

The top 50 list of 2024 shows that financial success in sports is no longer just about what happens on the pitch, court, or course. It reflects media influence, commercial vision, and a strong understanding of global markets. Athletes are building empires, not just careers.

What’s also clear is that the geography of sports earnings is expanding. From Riyadh to Miami, the new financial capitals of sport are shifting, driven by both state-backed investment and global fan engagement.

As the earnings race heats up, the next generation of athletes will need more than talent. They will need strategy, visibility, and the ability to navigate an increasingly complex financial arena — on and off the field.