Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Highest-Paid Athlete List Again!
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the king of the financial game, securing the top spot on Forbes' Highest-Paid Athletes list for a remarkable fourth time in his career.
This year's list sees a surprising rise in golfers and footballers, particularly those associated with the Saudi leagues.
Ronaldo tops Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes again, Rahm second https://t.co/ZDpl3QH5Rg pic.twitter.com/PdC1aHGjxN
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 16, 2024
Source: Twitter/Reuters
World’s top 10 highest paid athletes 2024
1. Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $260m (£205m)
2. Jon Rahm, golf: $218m (£172m)
3. Lionel Messi, football: $135m (£107m)
4. LeBron James, basketball: $128.2m (£101m)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, basketball: $111m (£88m)
6. Kylian Mbappe, football: $110m (£87m)
7. Neymar, football: $108m (£85m)
8. Karim Benzema, football: $106m (£84m)
9. Stephen Curry, basketball: $102m (£80m)
10. Lamar Jackson, American football: $100.5m (£79m)
Ronaldo Reigns Supreme with Record Earnings
Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has proven financially lucrative. Forbes estimates his total earnings at a record-breaking $260 million for a soccer player.
This massive sum includes both his on-field income of $200 million and a whopping $60 million from endorsements, fueled by his immense social media presence (boasting a staggering 629 million followers on Instagram).
New Face on the Podium: Jon Rahm Soars to Second
The biggest shake-up comes from Spanish golfer Jon Rahm. His controversial switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour has propelled him to the number two spot.
This high-profile move reportedly came with a guaranteed payday of at least $300 million, and when combined with his on-course earnings, Rahm has raked in a staggering $218 million this year.
This impressive showing makes him and Ronaldo the only two athletes to surpass the $200 million mark!
Familiar Names and Surprising Entrants
Following the top two, the list features a mix of familiar names and some surprising entries. Football legend Lionel Messi sits comfortably at number three with a combined income of $135 million.
Basketball icons LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo hold strong at number four and five respectively, showcasing the continued dominance of basketball stars in the top earners category.
Football Shuffle: Mbappe Drops, Neymar and Benzema Rise
The beautiful game witnesses some interesting movement as well. Kylian Mbappe, after announcing his departure from PSG, finds himself at number six with $110 million.
Meanwhile, both Neymar and Karim Benzema, who recently joined the Saudi Pro League, have cracked the top 10 at number seven and eight respectively, highlighting the financial clout of these leagues.
Record-Breaking Year for Top Athletes’ Earnings
It's important to note that Forbes reports the combined earnings of the top 10 athletes to be a record-breaking $1.38 billion! This massive sum underlines the ever-growing influence of money in the world of sports.
With Ronaldo retaining his financial crown, a surge of golfers, and the rise of footballers associated with the Saudi leagues, the landscape of highest-paid athletes is certainly shifting. Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-evolving world of sports and finances!
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