In 2024, the sports world witnessed some of the most significant earnings by athletes, reflecting not only their skills and achievements on the field but also their marketability off it. The top earners span various sports, from football and basketball to golf and tennis. This article delves into the financial success of these athletes, analyzing their earnings both on and off the field, their sponsorship deals, and their influence in the sports world, from the data released by Forbes.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
Sport: Football
Total earnings: $136 million
On-field earnings: $46 million
Off-field earnings: $90 million
Age: 39
Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the highest-paid athlete in 2024, and the fourth-most popular celebrity on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list. Residing in Italy with Portuguese citizenship, Ronaldo continues to shine on the football field while amassing substantial earnings off it. His endorsements with brands like Benancy, Delivery Hero, Nike, Panini, Therabody, and Altice contribute significantly to his $90 million off-field income. Ronaldo’s popularity on social media, with over 500 million followers, enhances his marketability, making him a coveted figure for brand endorsements.
- Lionel Messi
Sport: Football
Total earnings: $130 million
On-field earnings: $65 million
Off-field earnings: $65 million
Age: 36
Lionel Messi, the second highest-paid athlete of 2024, is not only a football legend but also a marketing powerhouse. He resides in Spain and holds Argentine citizenship. Messi’s endorsements include Byju’s, Hard Rock Cafe, Konami, MasterCard, PepsiCo, Adidas, Ooredoo, Hennessy, Socios.com, and Anheuser-Busch InBev. In 2019, Messi launched his clothing brand, Messi Store, in Barcelona, further diversifying his income streams. His balanced earnings from both his football career and endorsements highlight his global appeal and enduring legacy in the sport.
- Kylian Mbappé
Sport: Football
Total earnings: $120 million
On-field earnings: $100 million
Off-field earnings: $20 million
Age: 24
Kylian Mbappé, at just 24, has established himself as one of the top earners in sports. Known for his exceptional talent on the soccer field, Mbappé’s on-field earnings of $100 million underscore his value to his team and the sport. Off the field, he endorses brands like LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Nike, Oakley, Hublot, Panini, and Sorare. Mbappé’s early achievements, including becoming the second-youngest player to score in a World Cup final, have positioned him as a global icon and a rising star in sports endorsements.
- LeBron James
Sport: Basketball
Total earnings: $119.5 million
On-field earnings: $66.5 million
Off-field earnings: $75 million
Age: 39
LeBron James, the first NBA player to become a billionaire, is the fourth-highest-paid athlete in 2024. Residing in Los Angeles, California, James has built an impressive portfolio both on and off the court. His endorsements with AT&T, Electronic Arts, GMC, Nike, PepsiCo, Sony, Tonal, and Calm contribute to his substantial off-field earnings. James is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the LeBron James Family Foundation, which pledges to send underprivileged kids to college.
- Canelo Alvarez
Sport: Boxing
Total earnings: $110 million
On-field earnings: $100 million
Off-field earnings: $10 million
Age: 33
Canelo Alvarez, the highest-paid boxer of 2024, has made a significant impact in the sport with his on-field earnings of $100 million. Residing in San Diego, California, Alvarez’s off-field income comes from endorsements with brands like Louis Vuitton, LVMH, and Anheuser-Busch InBev. Alvarez’s marketability and boxing prowess have made him a prominent figure in the sports world, further enhanced by his signing with Excel Sports Management for marketing deals.
- Dustin Johnson
Sport: Golf
Total earnings: $107 million
On-field earnings: $102 million
Off-field earnings: $5 million
Age: 39
Dustin Johnson, a dominant figure in golf, ranks as the sixth highest-paid athlete in 2024. Residing in Palm Beach, Florida, Johnson’s primary income comes from his success on the golf course, with endorsements from Adidas bolstering his off-field earnings. Johnson’s consistent performance and high earnings highlight his standing in the world of professional golf.
- Phil Mickelson
Sport: Golf
Total earnings: $106 million
On-field earnings: $104 million
Off-field earnings: $2 million
Age: 53
Phil Mickelson, at 53, remains a top earner in golf, with total earnings of $106 million in 2024. Mickelson’s significant on-field earnings reflect his enduring skill and popularity in the sport. Residing in California, Mickelson’s endorsements include Grayhawk Golf Club, Intrepid Financial Partners, Rolex, and VistaJet. His historic win at the 2021 PGA Championship, where he became the oldest major winner, continues to bolster his marketability and earnings.
- Stephen Curry
Sport: Basketball
Total earnings: $100.4 million
On-field earnings: $48.4 million
Off-field earnings: $52 million
Age: 36
Stephen Curry, an NBA superstar, ranks eighth among the highest-paid athletes in 2024. Known for his exceptional shooting skills, Curry’s on-field earnings are complemented by substantial off-field income from endorsements with 2K Sports, Callaway Golf, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Panini, Rakuten, and Under Armour. Curry’s entrepreneurial ventures, including his investment company SC 30 and production company Unanimous Media, further enhance his financial success.
- Roger Federer
Sport: Tennis
Total earnings: $95.1 million
On-field earnings: $0.1 million
Off-field earnings: $95 million
Age: 42
Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, continues to earn significant income despite minimal on-field earnings in 2024. Federer’s off-field earnings, driven by endorsements with brands like Barilla, Credit Suisse, JURA, Sunrise Communications, and Louis Vuitton, reflect his enduring popularity and marketability. Residing in Switzerland, Federer’s influence extends beyond tennis, making him a global icon in sports and business.
- Kevin Durant
Sport: Basketball
Total earnings: $89.1 million
On-field earnings: $44.1 million
Off-field earnings: $45 million
Age: 35
Kevin Durant, an NBA star, ranks tenth among the highest-paid athletes of 2024. Durant’s impressive earnings come from both his basketball career and endorsements with brands like Weedmaps, Dapper Labs, Activision, 2K Sports, and Fanatics. Residing in New York, Durant’s investments in over 80 companies and his ownership stake in Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union showcase his business acumen and influence beyond the basketball court.
Special Mention
Virat Kohli is the sole sportsperson from India to feature among the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes in the latest Forbes list. Ranked 89th, Kohli boasts a total pay of $22 million, earning $3 million from salary and winnings, and a staggering $19 million from endorsements. Much like Cristiano Ronaldo in football, Kohli’s brand value and endorsement deals significantly boost his income, cementing his position as a global sports icon. His partnerships with major brands amplify his marketability, making him a highly sought-after figure in the world of sports endorsements.
The top 10 highest-paid athletes of 2024 highlight the diverse opportunities available to sports stars both on and off the field. Their earnings reflect not only their athletic prowess but also their ability to leverage their fame into lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures. From football and basketball to golf and tennis, these athletes have made significant impacts in their respective sports while building substantial wealth through strategic partnerships and investments. As the sports industry continues to evolve, these athletes will likely remain influential figures, shaping the future of sports and business.
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