Highest-Paid Athletes in the World - Top 10
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning $415 million AUD annually. This includes his record-breaking contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr and endorsements. Other notable athletes in the top 10 include Steph Curry, Tyson Fury, and Lionel Messi, demonstrating a diverse representation across football, basketball, boxing, and golf. These figures encompass their total earnings for the 2024 calendar year.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete, earning $415M AUD annually
- Top 10 includes athletes from football, basketball, boxing, and golf
- Earnings reflect the 2024 calendar year, with Ronaldo leading due to a record-breaking contract and endorsements
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC celebrates scoring their third goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fayha on February 7, 2025. (Getty)
Cristiano Ronaldo received the highest ever football salary when signing for Saudi club Al-Nassr in December 2022 and that contract is worth around $342.7 million (AUD).
- Highest-Paid Athletes in the World - Top 10
With endorsements and winnings added, the Portuguese forward earns north of $415 million (AUD) per year and that makes the 40-year-old the highest-paid athlete in the world
Four sporting codes are represented for the Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World, which is detailed below.
Highest-Paid Athletes in the World - Top 10
| Ranking | Name | Sport | Total Earnings Per Year (AUD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | $415.3 million | |
| 2 | Steph Curry | Basketball | $243.9 million | |
| 3 | Tyson Fury | Boxing | $234.4 million | |
| 4 | Lionel Messi | Football | $215.3 million | |
| 5 | LeBron James | Basketball | $212.3 million | |
| 6 | Neymar | Football | $212 million | |
| 7 | Oleksandr Usyk | Boxing | $194.5 million | |
| 8 | Karim Benzema | Football | $184.9 million | |
| 9 | Kylian Mbappé | Football | $175.4 million | |
| 10 | Jon Rahm | Golf | $168.6 million |
The above estimates are for total earnings during the 2024 calendar year. Source: sportico.com
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