Last updated on February 15th, 2025 at 12:41 am
Cristiano Ronaldo was the highest paid athlete in 2024. According to the top sportsbooks, he earned $260 million last year. However, no female athletes were in the top 100. Based on his financial reports, Ronaldo earned $215 million from his salary as part of the Al-Nassr team in Saudi Arabia. In addition, he earned $45 million from endorsements.
After relocating to Saudi Arabia, the 40-year-old’s career took a slightly renewed turn. He scored 82 goals in 90 games for Al-Nassr and became the first player to reach 900 goals in September last year.
The top ten soccer players with lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia are Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema; nevertheless, the Brazilian star has returned to his childhood club, Santos, after making his move.
Ronaldo earned over $100 million compared to Steph Curry, the second-place athlete in 2024. Curry earned an estimated $153.8 million, with $53.8 million coming from salary and prizes and $100 million from endorsements.
Second Highest Paid Athlete
Despite the challenging end to the previous NBA season, Stephen Curry showcased his exceptional skills and leadership during the United States’ journey to claim the gold medal in basketball at the 2024 Olympics held in Paris. His contributions were vital, not only in terms of scoring but also in orchestrating plays and mentoring younger teammates, solidifying his status as a key player on the international stage.
Ronaldo’s longtime rival Lionel Messi came in fourth with $135 million in estimated earnings—$60 million in salary/winnings and $75 million in endorsements—while Britain’s Tyson Fury came in third with $147 million in earnings, broken down as $140 million in salary/winnings and $7 million in endorsements.
In professional basketball, LeBron James, a prominent figure for the Los Angeles Lakers, secured his position among the top earners in the sport, concluding the list with a remarkable total of $133.2 million for the year. This substantial financial figure is comprised of two significant components: an impressive $85 million generated through various endorsements that highlight his marketability and influence both on and off the court and an additional $48.2 million stemming from his salary and winnings, which are a direct reflection of his talent and consistent performance in the NBA. These earnings underscore LeBron’s status as a player and a global brand.
According to bookie software experts, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made $100.4 million, putting him 12th place among NFL players in earnings. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX, earned $46.1 million and placed 65th.
Where are the Female Athletes?
Although many male athletes made a killing off their abilities, not a single female athlete made it into the top 100. Last year, US tennis phenom Coco Gauff won the French Open doubles title and the WTA Finals singles trophy, making her the highest-earning female athlete with an estimated $30.4 million. Just so you know, the last player to make Sportico’s top 100 list was quarterback Daniel Jones, who played for the New York Giants and is currently with the Minnesota Vikings. Jones earned $37.5 million.
The 20-year-old tennis sensation became the first American tennis player to hoist the Olympic flag and the youngest Team USA flag bearer in Olympic history.
The top 100 athletes on Sportico’s list represent eight sports and twenty-seven nations. In 2024, the 100 athletes earned a combined $6.4 billion, with $4.8 billion coming from salaries and awards and $1.4 billion from non-athletic sponsorships.
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