Cristiano Ronaldo is once again the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning $260 million in 2024, according to sports news site Sportico. However, no women made the top 100 list.
The top 100 athletes, mostly from soccer, the NBA, NFL, golf, and boxing, made a total of $6.2 billion last year. This includes $4.8 billion from salaries and prize money, plus $1.4 billion from endorsements.
Tennis star Coco Gauff was the highest-paid female athlete in 2024, earning $30.4 million. But that was not enough to make the list. The last spot went to NFL quarterback Daniel Jones, who earned $37.5 million.
Also Read: Saints Re-Sign RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire for One Year
Ronaldo Still on Top
Ronaldo stayed at number one for the second year in a row, thanks to his big contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Sportico reported that the Portugal forward, who turned 40 last week, made $215 million from wages and $45 million from endorsements.
He is far ahead of the second-highest earner, NBA star Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who made $153.8 million—over $100 million less than Ronaldo.
British boxer Tyson Fury, who lost to Oleksandr Usyk in December, is third on the list with $147 million.
The top five also includes Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami ($135 million), and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James ($133.2 million). James is the only 40-year-old still playing in the NBA.
The top 100 list features athletes from eight different sports and 27 countries.
Also Read: No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup, LGBTQ Fans Welcome, Says Saudi Ambassador