Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career, with Jon Rahm rising to second place. Ronaldo led the list last year after his move to Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr. According to Forbes, the 39-year-old Portugal forward earned $260 million (£205 million) in the past 12 months, up from $136 million (£108.7 million).
Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi has dropped to third place behind Rahm. The Spanish golfer moved up to second after joining the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, reportedly earning $218 million (£172 million). Footballers Neymar and Karim Benzema have also entered the top 10 following their moves to the Saudi Pro League.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (fifth) joins fellow basketball stars LeBron James (fourth) and Stephen Curry (ninth) on the list, while American football quarterback Lamar Jackson is in 10th place. Forbes reports that the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes collectively earned $1.38 billion (£1.06 billion) before taxes and agents’ fees over the past 12 months, the highest total ever recorded.
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)