Sporting activities rank among the most financially rewarding sectors globally, generating billions of dollars annually; a portion of this revenue benefits athletes, positioning them among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo leading the pack.
Sportico reports that the total income for the world’s 100 highest-earning athletes reached $5.4 billion, with $4.2 billion derived from salaries and winnings and the remaining $1.2 billion from endorsements.
Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr, emerged as the highest-earning athlete in 2023, amassing $275 million—$210 million from his salary and an additional $60 million through endorsements.
Following Ronaldo, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm secured the second spot with earnings of $203 million, comprising $181 million from winnings and $22 million from sponsorships. Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi completed the top three, with a total of $130 million—$65 million from salary and an equal amount from endorsements.
In American sports, basketball player LeBron James was the top American athlete in 2023, ranking fourth with $125 million—$45.7 million from his salary and $80 million in endorsements. The NBA further contributed three athletes to the top ranks: Stephen Curry at seventh with $98.9 million, Giannis Antetokounmpo at eighth with $88.4 million, and Kevin Durant at ninth with $86.4 million.
Patrick Mahomes, an NFL quarterback, stood as the highest-ranked NFL player, earning $84.3 million in 2023 and ranking tenth. Close behind, Lamar Jackson ranked eleventh with earnings of $82.5 million.
In contrast, no female athlete made it into the top 100 wealthiest athletes of 2023. However, American tennis player Coco Gauff was the highest-earning female athlete, with $22.7 million in income.
Among other notable athletes, Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen ranked fifteenth overall with $75 million. In comparison, Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers led in baseball earnings with $70 million, ranking sixteenth. Mexican boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was the highest-paid fighter in 2023, earning $66 million and ranking seventeenth globally.
