Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ List of Highest-Paid Athletes for 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again topped Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes, marking the fourth time in his illustrious career that he has achieved this feat. The 39-year-old Portugal forward, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr, amassed a staggering $260 million (£205 million) over the past 12 months, a significant increase from his earnings of $136 million (£108.7 million) the previous year.

Ronaldo’s ascension to the top spot follows his high-profile move to Al Nassr, which has significantly boosted his earnings. His long-time rival, Lionel Messi, has slipped to third place, while Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has surged to second, thanks to his involvement in the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, earning $218 million (£172 million).

The list also features other notable athletes who have benefited from lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League. Footballers Neymar and Karim Benzema have both entered the top 10, reflecting the league’s growing financial power.

Basketball stars also dominate the list, with LeBron James in fourth place, Giannis Antetokounmpo in fifth, and Stephen Curry in ninth. Additionally, American football quarterback Lamar Jackson rounds out the top 10.

Collectively, the world’s top 10 highest-paid athletes earned a record $1.38 billion (£1.06 billion) before taxes and agents’ fees over the past year, highlighting the increasing financial rewards at the pinnacle of professional sports.

World’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2024:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) – $260 million (£205 million)
2. Jon Rahm (Golf) – $218 million (£172 million)
3. Lionel Messi (Football) – $135 million (£107 million)
4. LeBron James (Basketball) – $128.2 million (£101 million)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Basketball) – $111 million (£88 million)
6. Kylian Mbappe (Football) – $110 million (£87 million)
7. Neymar (Football) – $108 million (£85 million)
8. Karim Benzema (Football) – $106 million (£84 million)
9. Stephen Curry (Basketball) – $102 million (£80 million)
10. Lamar Jackson (American Football) – $100.5 million (£79 million)

This remarkable achievement by Ronaldo and the other top athletes underscores the massive financial rewards in modern sports, driven by high-profile transfers and lucrative sponsorship deals.