The 50 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
In a year defined by record-breaking contracts, global expansion, and the rise of new sports markets, athlete earnings soared to all-time highs. Forbes’ 2024 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes highlights not only top-level performance, but also commercial power, branding, and long-term business vision.
From football legends and basketball icons to racing champions and golf’s elite, these 50 stars dominated the financial game. Here’s a countdown from No. 50 to No. 1—featuring the most influential and financially successful athletes on the planet.
50. Russell Wilson – £42.9 million
Even in a year full of challenges, Wilson remains one of the NFL’s top earners. His hefty contract and endorsements kept him firmly in the top 50.
49. Xander Schauffele – £42.9 million
The Olympic gold medalist continues to thrive on the course. Schauffele’s steady performances and endorsement portfolio brought him close to £43 million.
48. Sadio Mané – £43.2 million
Now in Saudi Arabia, Mané’s wages soared. Though his commercial profile is modest, his on-field salary alone secured his place on this list.
47. Kyler Murray – £43.7 million
Despite injury setbacks, Murray’s long-term NFL deal ensures major payouts. He still pulled in over £43 million in 2024.
46. Vinicius Junior – £44 million
The Real Madrid winger is becoming a global icon. His blend of club salary and growing endorsement value pushed him to £44 million this year.
45. Tiger Woods – £44.3 million
Woods barely competes, but his brand remains untouchable. Almost all his income—over £44 million—comes from off-course deals.
44. Jayson Tatum – £44.6 million
Boston’s star forward had another impressive year. His NBA salary combined with increasing brand partnerships made him one of the top-earning young stars.
43. Paul George – £45 million
Paul George continues to deliver both on the court and in his endorsements. His total income reached a solid £45 million in 2024.
42. Kawhi Leonard – £45.8 million
Known for his low profile, Leonard still commands elite earnings. His reliable salary and select off-court deals brought in nearly £46 million.
41. Nikola Jokić – £46.1 million
The Denver Nuggets’ cornerstone and two-time MVP made over £46 million. Most of it came from his NBA salary, with limited commercial activity.
40. Bradley Beal – £46.6 million
Beal’s move to Phoenix didn’t slow down his income. His massive NBA contract remains the core of his £46.6 million earnings.
39. Devin Booker – £46.6 million
One of the NBA’s brightest stars, Booker combined high salary and rising endorsements. His 2024 earnings matched those of teammate Beal.
38. Luka Dončić – £46.8 million
The Slovenian sensation is now one of the league’s global faces. His earnings—just under £47 million—reflect his expanding influence.
37. Jimmy Butler – £47.8 million
Butler’s mix of on-court excellence and off-court personality keeps brands interested. His income came close to £48 million.
36. Joel Embiid – £48.3 million
Embiid dominated both in stats and income. His nearly £50 million in earnings reflect his MVP status and rising marketability.
35. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – £49 million
One of the NBA’s fastest risers, Shai cashed in on a huge deal and a breakout season. He brought home nearly £50 million.
34. Erling Haaland – £49.6 million
Haaland was again unstoppable in front of goal. Between wages and endorsement growth, he earned close to £50 million in 2024.
33. Anthony Edwards – £49.7 million
Edwards’ new contract and All-Star performance paid off. The Timberwolves’ leader surpassed £49 million in earnings this year.
32. Josh Allen – £52.9 million
One of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, Allen combined big-time bonuses with media presence. He earned nearly £53 million in 2024.
31. CeeDee Lamb – £53.4 million
Dallas’ explosive wideout had a monster year both on the field and in his bank account. His earnings reached more than £53 million.
30. Blake Snell – £53.9 million
The two-time Cy Young winner signed a hefty short-term deal that boosted his on-field income. Despite limited off-field exposure, he earned nearly £54 million.
29. Damian Lillard – £54 million
After a high-profile trade to Milwaukee, Lillard’s salary remained elite. His brand appeal and consistency pushed his total earnings beyond £54 million.
28. Justin Jefferson – £57.8 million
Jefferson’s explosive performance earned him one of the richest contracts ever for a wide receiver. He surged toward £58 million in 2024.
27. Tua Tagovailoa – £57.9 million
Miami’s quarterback cashed in after a strong season. With incentives and bonuses, his earnings climbed to nearly £58 million.
26. Justin Herbert – £58.9 million
Herbert is the face of the Chargers and one of the NFL’s best-paid quarterbacks. His 2024 earnings neared £59 million.
25. Neymar – £60.8 million
A move to the Saudi Pro League guaranteed Neymar a massive salary. Though his global endorsements have dipped, he still pulled in over £60 million.
24. Max Verstappen – £62.4 million
F1’s dominant force earned big with Red Bull. His title wins, bonuses, and new deals pushed his total past £62 million.
23. Lewis Hamilton – £64 million
The seven-time world champion remains one of sport’s top earners. With strong sponsorships and a top-tier F1 salary, Hamilton continues to thrive.
22. Canelo Alvarez – £64 million
Boxing’s biggest draw made a fortune in the ring. Canelo’s pay-per-view bouts remain incredibly lucrative, bringing in £64 million.
21. Trevor Lawrence – £64.4 million
The Jaguars’ star quarterback benefited from a huge contract extension. 2024 was a financial breakthrough year with earnings near £65 million.
20. Jared Goff – £64.6 million
Leading Detroit’s resurgence, Goff inked a high-paying deal. With limited endorsements, most of his £64 million came from football.
19. Jordan Love – £66.4 million
Love emerged as Green Bay’s new franchise QB. A backloaded contract and incentives pushed his income to over £66 million.
18. Patrick Mahomes – £69.4 million
The Chiefs superstar added another strong season and more financial wins. His combination of base salary and endorsements remains elite.
17. Rory McIlroy – £70.3 million
McIlroy continues to dominate golf’s financial side. Tournament wins and major endorsement deals secured him over £70 million this year.
16. Kylian Mbappé – £72 million
Still one of football’s biggest names, Mbappé enjoyed a massive PSG contract. He remains a top earner both on and off the field.
15. Deshaun Watson – £73.4 million
Despite ongoing controversies, Watson’s guaranteed NFL deal paid out big. He brought in more than £73 million in 2024.
14. Scottie Scheffler – £74 million
The world’s best golfer on the course also got rewarded off it. His prize money and growing sponsorship appeal led to record earnings.
13. Giannis Antetokounmpo – £75.5 million
Giannis continues to be one of the NBA’s most valuable players. His combination of salary and international marketability drove his income past £75 million.
12. Jon Rahm – £80 million
Rahm’s switch to LIV Golf caused a stir – and a payday. His signing bonus and winnings resulted in a staggering £80 million in 2024.
11. Oleksandr Usyk – £80.8 million
The Ukrainian heavyweight cashed in on blockbuster fights. With little in the way of endorsements, almost all of his income came from inside the ring.
10. Kevin Durant – £81.1 million
Durant remains one of the NBA’s biggest earners. With a high salary and strong investment portfolio, he passed the £81 million mark in 2024.
9. Shohei Ohtani – £82 million
Ohtani made sports business history with a $700 million contract—most of it deferred. Yet, his unmatched endorsement power pushed his 2024 income to £82 million.
8. Karim Benzema – £83.2 million
Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia came with an enormous paycheck. Though commercial deals are limited, his club salary keeps him among the elite.
7. Juan Soto – £91.2 million
Soto landed a record-breaking one-year MLB deal with the Yankees. At just 25, he banked over £91 million largely through his massive on-field salary.
6. LeBron James – £107 million
The King is still cashing in well beyond the court. While his NBA salary remains strong, it’s his endorsements and business ventures that brought him to £107 million.
5. Lionel Messi – £108 million
In his first full season in MLS, Messi’s income soared. His mix of Apple, Adidas, and other global deals helped push him past £108 million.
4. Dak Prescott – £109.6 million
Prescott took home over £109 million thanks to a massive Cowboys contract and bonus structure. His endorsement income was modest but steady.
3. Tyson Fury – £116.8 million
With blockbuster fights in 2024, Fury cashed in heavily. Nearly all of his earnings came from the ring, with minimal sponsorship involvement.
2. Stephen Curry – £124.8 million
Curry’s NBA salary is big—but his commercial footprint is even bigger. With Under Armour and other ventures, he earned nearly £125 million in total.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £220 million
No one came close to Ronaldo’s staggering earnings. His record Saudi salary and vast endorsement empire put him in a financial league of his own.
