Some sports are more lucrative than others, but the list of the highest-paid athletes in 2024 spans a variety of disciplines. From football to basketball, golf to soccer, these stars dominate both on and off the field. Here we present the 15 athletes who earned the most this year, showcasing their combined earnings on and off the field.
Patrick Mahomes – Total Earnings $84.4M
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Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, earned $84.4 million in 2024. The bulk of his income came from his on-field earnings, totaling $59.4 million, thanks to his lucrative NFL contract and performance bonuses. Off the field, Mahomes brought in $25 million through endorsements and investments, including deals with major brands like Adidas and State Farm.
Canelo Alvarez – Total Earnings $85M
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Mexican boxing champion Canelo Alvarez earned $85 million in 2024. Most of his earnings came from his fights, bringing in $75 million from on-field income. Outside the ring, Alvarez added $10 million through endorsement deals and business ventures, including his investments in fitness and sports brands.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way baseball phenom, made $85.3 million in 2024. While $25.3 million of his income came from his salary and bonuses with the Los Angeles Angels, a staggering $60 million was generated off the field. Ohtani’s endorsements, particularly in Japan and the U.S., have made him one of the most marketable athletes globally.
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant earned $93.3 million this year. His on-court salary contributed $47.8 million, while his off-court ventures brought in $45.5 million. Durant’s investments in tech startups, his media company Boardroom, and partnerships with Nike and other brands cemented his position among the top earners.
Joe Burrow – Total Earnings $100M
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had a breakout year in earnings, totaling $100 million. Almost all of this came from his on-field salary, which amounted to $96 million, reflecting a new contract extension. His off-field earnings of $4 million came from endorsements with brands like Bose and Nike.
Lamar Jackson – Total Earnings $100.5M
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson earned $100.5 million in 2024. His on-field salary made up $98.5 million, a result of his high-paying NFL contract and bonuses. Off the field, Jackson’s $2 million came from endorsement deals with Under Armour and Oakley.
Stephen Curry – Total Earnings $102M
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Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry earned $102 million this year. His $52 million on-court earnings came from his NBA salary, while his off-court ventures, including his SC30 brand and deals with Under Armour, brought in $50 million.
Karim Benzema, the French striker, earned $106 million in 2024. His on-field salary of $100 million came largely from his contract with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Off the pitch, he earned $6 million through sponsorships and endorsements.
Neymar – Total Earnings $108M
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Brazilian superstar Neymar made $108 million in 2024. He earned $80 million on the field through his club contract and bonuses. Off the field, Neymar brought in $28 million from partnerships with brands like Puma and Netflix.
Kylian Mbappé – Total Earnings $110M
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French soccer prodigy Kylian Mbappé earned $110 million this year. His on-field earnings of $90 million come from his lucrative contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Off the field, Mbappé earned $20 million through endorsement deals with Nike and other global brands.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Total Earnings $111M
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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo earned $111 million in 2024. His $46 million on-court salary was bolstered by $65 million in off-court income from endorsements with Nike, Google, and more.
LeBron James continued to dominate earnings with $128.2 million in 2024. While his on-court salary of $48.2 million is impressive, his $80 million off-court earnings from endorsements, media ventures, and investments solidify his legacy as a business mogul.
Lionel Messi – Total Earnings $135M
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Argentinian legend Lionel Messi earned $135 million this year. His on-field income totaled $65 million, while his off-field ventures, including deals with Adidas and his ownership stake in Inter Miami, contributed $70 million.
Jon Rahm – Total Earnings $218M
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Spanish golfer Jon Rahm had an extraordinary year, earning $218 million. The bulk of his income, $198 million, came from tournament winnings, thanks to his dominant performances. An additional $20 million came from sponsorships with Callaway, Rolex, and more.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Total Earnings $260M
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Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with $260 million in earnings. Playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he earned $200 million on the field, while his off-field ventures, including partnerships with Nike and CR7-branded products, brought in $60 million.
