The 50 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World – Ranking from Lowest to Highest
Sports remain one of the most lucrative industries, with athletes earning enormous sums from salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals. In 2024, the highest-paid athletes span multiple disciplines, from football to basketball, boxing, and motorsports. Below, we analyze their earnings, teams, and sponsorships, starting from the 50th highest-paid athlete and moving up to number one.
50. Klay Thompson – £39,474,320
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson continues to be one of the league’s top shooters. He earns £30,834,120 in salary, with an additional £8,640,200 from endorsements with brands like Anta, BodyArmor, and Panini. Despite injuries in recent years, Thompson’s financial position remains strong.
49. Trevor Lawrence – £39,636,100
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is emerging as one of the best young players in the NFL. His salary is £31,547,100, and his endorsement deals with Gatorade, Adidas, and Fanatics add another £8,089,000 to his earnings.
48. Kyrie Irving – £40,283,219
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is still one of the most skilled players in the NBA. He earns £31,963,819 from his playing contract, while endorsements contribute £8,319,400. His deals with Anta and other brands help him remain one of the league’s highest-paid players.
47. Zion Williamson – £40,687,670
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is one of the NBA’s most exciting young stars. His salary of £35,334,890 is complemented by £5,352,780 in endorsement deals with Jordan Brand, Mountain Dew, and 2K Sports. His combination of power and athleticism keeps him as a major marketing figure.
46. Devin Booker – £41,334,790
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has solidified himself as a top scorer in the NBA. His salary of £34,823,690 is supported by £6,511,100 from sponsorships with Nike and Call of Duty. His elite performances and growing brand presence make him one of the league’s most bankable stars.
45. James Harden – £41,901,019
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden remains one of basketball’s most recognizable figures. His salary stands at £34,828,620, while his endorsement deals with Adidas and State Farm bring in £7,072,399. Even as he enters the later stages of his career, Harden continues to be a key financial figure in the NBA.
44. Riyad Mahrez – £42,062,799
Al-Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez moved to the Saudi Pro League, boosting his earnings significantly. His salary is £40,445,000, while his endorsement income of £1,617,800 is relatively low compared to other top footballers. The Saudi Pro League’s financial power has made it an attractive destination for high-profile players.
43. Jannik Sinner – £42,305,469
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner is becoming one of the sport’s highest earners. His tournament winnings bring in £25,358,170, while his sponsorship deals with Nike, Rolex, and Lavazza contribute an additional £16,947,299. With his continued success on the ATP Tour, his earnings are set to rise.
42. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – £42,790,809
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the NBA’s top players. His salary of £34,913,210 is complemented by £7,877,599 in endorsements from brands like Converse. His rising status in the league ensures that his income will continue to grow.
41. Max Scherzer – £43,680,600
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer is one of baseball’s highest-paid players. His salary stands at £42,062,800, but his endorsement income remains modest at £1,617,800. Despite being in the later years of his career, Scherzer’s financial standing remains strong.
40. Kawhi Leonard – £44,327,719
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is known as one of the best two-way players in the NBA. His salary of £37,331,020 is supported by £6,996,699 in endorsement deals. His quiet demeanor has kept his commercial earnings lower than other top stars, but he remains a key figure in the league.
39. Vinícius Júnior – £44,489,500
Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has become one of football’s most exciting young talents. His salary of £40,445,000 is complemented by £4,044,500 in endorsement deals with Nike and other brands. As the face of Real Madrid’s next generation, his earnings are expected to increase.
38. Mohamed Salah – £44,489,500
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah remains one of the Premier League’s biggest stars. His salary of £35,330,500 is backed by £9,159,000 in endorsements from brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Vodafone. His influence both on and off the pitch continues to make him one of football’s highest earners.
37. Xander Schauffele – £45,136,619
American golfer Xander Schauffele has built an impressive career, earning £33,798,820 from tournament winnings. His sponsorship deals with Rolex, Callaway, and Adidas add an extra £11,337,799 to his income, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in golf.
36. Paul George – £45,136,619
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George continues to be one of the most consistent stars in the NBA. His salary of £37,331,020 ranks among the highest in the league, while his endorsement earnings of £7,805,599 come from brands like Nike and Gatorade. His strong on-court performances keep him as a valuable commercial asset.
35. Bradley Beal – £45,217,510
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bradley Beal is among the highest-paid players in the NBA following his trade from the Washington Wizards. His salary is £38,442,660, while his endorsement deals with Nike and JBL bring in £6,774,850.
34. Luka Dončić – £45,217,510
Luka Dončić recently moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis. His salary stands at £34,918,910, while his endorsement earnings from Jordan Brand and Panini contribute £10,298,600. His growing international appeal ensures that his commercial value will continue to rise.
33. Jimmy Butler – £46,026,410
Miami Heat leader Jimmy Butler remains one of the NBA’s most clutch performers. He earns £38,771,410 in salary, while his endorsement deals with Li-Ning and Michelob Ultra add £7,255,000. His competitive nature and leadership continue to keep him among the league’s top earners.
32. Nikola Jokić – £46,511,750
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is widely considered one of the best players in basketball. His salary of £39,998,750 is complemented by £6,513,000 in endorsements. Though Jokić prefers to avoid the spotlight, his MVP status ensures he remains among the NBA’s financial elite.
31. Joel Embiid – £47,239,760
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid continues to dominate the NBA. His salary of £39,157,960 places him among the league’s highest-paid players, while his endorsements, worth £8,081,800, include a major deal with Under Armour.
30. Anthony Joshua – £48,534,000
British boxing icon Anthony Joshua remains one of the sport’s biggest financial draws. His salary from fight purses stands at £39,582,000, while his endorsement income of £8,952,000 comes from partnerships with Under Armour, Hugo Boss, and JD Sports.
29. Yoshinobu Yamamoto – £49,342,900
Japanese baseball star Yoshinobu Yamamoto recently made a record-breaking move to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His salary is £44,928,900, and while his endorsements are relatively low at £4,414,000, they are expected to increase as he establishes himself in Major League Baseball.
28. Tiger Woods – £50,232,690
Golf legend Tiger Woods remains one of the highest-paid athletes despite playing fewer tournaments in recent years. His prize money earnings stand at £8,175,390, but his massive endorsements, worth £42,057,300 from long-standing deals with Nike, Rolex, and TaylorMade, ensure his continued place among the world’s richest athletes.
27. Kirk Cousins – £52,578,500
NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins recently signed with the Atlanta Falcons, securing a massive contract. His salary is £50,543,000, while his endorsements contribute a modest £2,035,500. Though not as commercially popular as other quarterbacks, his consistent play has secured his financial status.
26. Damian Lillard – £53,225,619
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is one of the most marketable players in the NBA. His salary of £38,612,319 is significantly boosted by £14,613,300 in endorsements, with major deals from Adidas and Gatorade.
25. Justin Herbert – £54,681,640
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has quickly become one of the NFL’s top young stars. His salary is £45,783,740, while his endorsement earnings of £8,897,900 come from partnerships with Nike, Bose, and Fanatics.
24. Erling Haaland – £56,623,000
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has established himself as one of the world’s most dominant goal scorers. His salary is £36,400,500, while his sponsorships with Nike and Beats by Dre contribute £20,222,500. His immense commercial value suggests his earnings will only increase.
23. Joe Burrow – £57,189,229
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has solidified himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. His salary of £53,144,730 places him among the highest-paid players, while his endorsements add £4,044,499 from deals with Bose and Fanatics.
22. Lewis Hamilton – £48,614,890
Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton recently made a high-profile move to Ferrari. His salary is £33,245,790, while his endorsements bring in £15,369,100, thanks to deals with Tommy Hilfiger, Monster Energy, and Mercedes-Benz.
21. Shohei Ohtani – £58,645,249
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has redefined earnings in baseball. While his salary is only £2,022,249 due to a deferred contract structure, his endorsement deals, worth £56,622,000, with brands like New Balance and Seiko make him the most marketable baseball player in history.
20. Canelo Álvarez – £59,049,699
Mexican boxing legend Canelo Álvarez remains one of the sport’s biggest financial draws. His earnings include £51,393,000 from fight purses and an additional £7,656,699 in endorsements from brands like Hennessy and Everlast.
19. Patrick Mahomes – £59,130,589
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is still one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL. His salary of £37,342,890 is paired with £21,787,699 in endorsement deals, including Adidas, State Farm, and Oakley.
18. Max Verstappen – £61,476,400
Dutch Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen remains Red Bull Racing’s leading driver. His salary is £56,623,000, the highest in motorsport, while his sponsorships with Tag Heuer and Heineken bring in an additional £4,853,400.
17. Rory McIlroy – £64,550,219
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy continues to be one of the most successful figures in golf. His prize winnings stand at £28,156,920, while his endorsement earnings, including deals with Nike, Omega, and TaylorMade, total £36,393,299.
16. Jordan Love – £66,006,239
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has emerged as one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. His salary of £63,991,990 places him among the league’s elite, while his endorsement earnings of £2,014,249 are expected to grow as his star power increases.
15. Jared Goff – £69,403,619
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has revitalized his career, earning a salary of £65,385,220. His endorsement deals add £4,018,399, including partnerships with Nike and Ford.
14. Kevin Durant – £75,308,590
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant remains a dominant force in the NBA. His salary stands at £38,918,009, while endorsement deals with Nike and Coinbase bring in another £36,390,581.
13. Giannis Antetokounmpo – £79,110,419
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA’s biggest earners. His salary of £38,634,302 is complemented by £40,476,117 in endorsement earnings from brands like Nike, JBL, and WhatsApp.
12. Dak Prescott – £81,213,560
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott remains one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. His salary of £69,828,096 is supplemented by £11,385,464 in endorsements from Jordan Brand and AT&T.
11. Scottie Scheffler – £84,368,270
American golfer Scottie Scheffler has secured his place among the highest-paid players on the PGA Tour. His earnings include £61,716,470 from tournament winnings and £22,651,800 in sponsorship deals with Rolex and TaylorMade.
10. Jon Rahm – £85,581,619
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm remains one of the biggest stars in professional golf. His prize money earnings total £69,389,820, while his endorsement deals bring in £16,191,799, including sponsorships with Callaway, Rolex, and Blue Yonder.
9. Kylian Mbappé – £88,979,000
Now playing for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé is one of the most valuable players in football. His salary of £68,756,500 is among the highest in the sport, while endorsement deals with Nike and Hublot contribute another £20,222,500.
8. Karim Benzema – £93,832,400
Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League has given him a massive salary of £87,361,200. His endorsements total £6,471,200, keeping him among the top-paid footballers in the world.
7. Oleksandr Usyk – £98,685,800
Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk remains one of the sport’s highest-paid fighters. His salary from fight purses is £97,066,800, while his endorsements contribute a modest £1,619,000.
6. Neymar – £107,583,700
Brazilian footballer Neymar made a highly lucrative move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. His salary is £87,361,200, while sponsorships with Puma and Red Bull add £20,222,500 to his earnings.
5. LeBron James – £107,745,479
Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James continues to be a dominant force in both sports and business. His salary of £38,988,980 is enhanced by £68,756,500 in endorsements from Nike, Beats by Dre, and Blaze Pizza.
4. Lionel Messi – £109,201,500
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi remains a global football icon. His salary of £48,534,000 is matched by £60,667,500 in endorsement deals from Adidas and Pepsi. Despite playing in the MLS, Messi’s earning power remains incredibly strong.
3. Tyson Fury – £118,908,300
British boxing champion Tyson Fury is one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing. His earnings from fight purses total £113,246,000, while his endorsement earnings remain relatively low at £5,662,300.
2. Stephen Curry – £124,408,820
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is the highest-paid player in the NBA. His salary is £43,518,820, while his endorsement earnings total £80,890,000, with partnerships that include Under Armour, Chase, and Infiniti.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £210,314,000
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest-paid athlete in the world. His salary of £173,913,500 is the largest in world football, while his endorsement earnings of £36,400,500 from Nike, Clear Hair Care, and other brands solidify his position at the top of the earnings list.
