Football continues to set the pace in the world of sports, not only on the field but also in economic terms. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi top the list of the highest-paid athletes of 2024, proving that their impact transcends generations and borders. The Portuguese star, at 40 years old, maintains his reign with earnings of $260 million, largely driven by his lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Messi, ranked fourth with $135 million, continues to solidify himself as a key market figure thanks to his commercial deals and his role at Inter Miami.

Completing the podium is basketball star Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, with $153.8 million, followed by British boxer Tyson Fury ($147M) and the legendary LeBron James ($133.2M). The list reflects the influence of the world's most global sports, with the NBA and football dominating the ranking, although golf and boxing figures also stand out. Neymar, with $133 million, is the only athlete under 36 in the top 8, highlighting how experience and longevity can translate into million-dollar contracts.

In total, the 100 highest-paid athletes of the year generated $6.2 billion, representing a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Most of this revenue comes from salaries and bonuses, while $1.4 billion comes from sponsorships and commercial rights. However, one of the most striking figures in the report is the absence of women in the ranking, reflecting the economic gap that still exists in the sports industry.

Football Continues to Dominate the Ranking

Football maintains a leading role in the list, with five players in the top 10 and figures like Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema, and Erling Haaland also making the ranking. Despite the rise of the Saudi Pro League with astronomical contracts, the NBA and the NFL remain the leagues with the most representation among the highest-paid athletes. Shohei Ohtani in baseball and Jon Rahm in golf stand out due to the importance of their sponsorship deals, confirming that off-field impact is key to maximizing earnings.

This ranking reaffirms that, regardless of age or sport, the most globally relevant athletes secure multi-million dollar contracts. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the most lucrative names in sports, cementing their legacy not only as icons on the field but also as key figures in the entertainment and business industries.