Islamabad, Feb 13: Sportico has unveiled its fourth annual ranking of the world’s highest-paid athletes, spotlighting the biggest earners in professional sports for 2024. This year’s list reflects a revised methodology, now tracking earnings strictly within the calendar year rather than the previous rolling 12-month system. The results underscore the staggering financial power of modern athletes, with football, basketball, and boxing dominating the top positions.
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Cristiano Ronaldo continues to reign supreme, securing the top spot thanks to his record-breaking contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr, which has propelled his total earnings to an astonishing $260 million. Following closely behind is Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, whose combined salary and endorsement deals have elevated him to second place with $153.8 million. Perhaps the biggest surprise on the list is British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, who clinched the third position with $147 million, reinforcing boxing’s status as one of the most lucrative sports.
Football legends Lionel Messi and Neymar maintain their stronghold on global earnings, securing fourth and sixth place, respectively, while NBA superstar LeBron James rounds out the top five. Notably, Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk also makes a powerful statement, earning $122 million to claim the seventh spot. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé, and golfer Jon Rahm complete the top ten, demonstrating the diverse avenues through which athletes generate wealth.
The rankings take into account all forms of compensation, including salaries, prize money, bonuses from signings and incentives, as well as off-field earnings from sponsorships, licensing, royalties, and personal brand investments. While endorsement deals continue to be a significant revenue stream particularly for basketball and football stars combat sports have emerged as a formidable financial powerhouse, with two boxers landing in the top 10.
Despite the vast wealth circulating in professional sports, the list notably lacks any female athletes, highlighting the persistent earnings gap in global sports. As financial dynamics shift with the rise of new leagues, sponsorships, and digital media ventures, it remains to be seen how the landscape of athlete earnings will evolve in the coming years.
