Top-Earning Athletes: How They're Winning Off The Field

When we talk about athletes, it's not just about what they achieve on the field. These days, it's also about how they’re building their personal brands and raking in millions through endorsements, business ventures, and savvy investments. In just one year, the top 15 highest-earning athletes collectively pulled in an incredible $1.11 billion, averaging about $74 million per person. That’s not chump change, folks.

And guess what? It’s not just one sport dominating the scene. The top 5 earners alone represent a wide range of sports:

• Soccer: Three athletes bringing in almost $400 million combined.
• Basketball: One superstar earning $119.5 million.
• Boxing: One fighter taking home $110 million.

Over the years, the sports world has evolved beyond just the games themselves. Athletes have transformed into global icons with massive influence. Digital media rights have played a huge role in this transformation, giving fans unprecedented access to their favorite athletes. It’s not just about watching a game anymore—it’s about following their lives, their brands, and their businesses.

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These sports legends aren’t just relying on their athletic prowess to make a living. They’re using their fame to venture into all kinds of industries, from fashion and tech to sports drinks and even whiskey. It’s a win-win situation: athletes get big bucks, and the brands they partner with get a major boost in visibility and credibility. Let’s take a closer look at this year’s top earners across all sports.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 Million) – Still Reigning at 38

At the ripe old age of 38, Cristiano Ronaldo is still making headlines—not just for his incredible skills on the field but for his business acumen off it. After leaving Manchester United, he signed with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, earning an estimated annual playing salary of $75 million. That’s not all, though. With over 850 million followers across social media platforms, Ronaldo is a marketing dream. Brands like Nike and Unilever have been lining up to partner with him.

Interestingly, Ronaldo has also dabbled in a bit of self-betting. Back in 2018, he reportedly placed a bet on himself to become La Liga’s top scorer. He scored 36 goals that season, way ahead of his nearest rival, Karim Benzema, who managed 21. While we don’t know exactly how much he won from that bet, it’s clear Ronaldo knows how to stack the odds in his favor.

2. Lionel Messi ($130 Million) – World Cup Glory Adds to His Wealth

At 35, Lionel Messi is proving that age is just a number. His combination of on-field performance and lucrative endorsements added up to an impressive $130 million this year. Winning the World Cup with Argentina certainly didn’t hurt, either. The team took home $42 million, but Messi’s personal earnings were much higher thanks to his partnerships with brands like Adidas and Pepsi.

3. Kylian Mbappé ($120 Million) – The Young Sensation

Kylian Mbappé is the definition of a rising star. At just 24, he’s already one of the highest-earning athletes in the world. His $120 million in earnings this year puts him ahead of many legends. His $1.15 million weekly contract with PSG makes him the highest-paid footballer by salary alone, even surpassing Ronaldo and Messi. Sure, those two earn more overall, but Mbappé’s earning potential is only going to grow.

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4. LeBron James ($119.5 Million) – More Than Just a Baller

LeBron James isn’t just one of the greatest basketball players of all time; he’s also a shrewd businessman. His investments have been key to his billionaire status. One of his earliest and most successful ventures was Blaze Pizza, where he invested around $1 million. That decision paid off big time as the chain expanded rapidly. LeBron’s also got his hands in pickleball, investing in a team, and co-founding a sports nutrition startup called “Ladder” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cindy Crawford, and Lindsey Vonn. This guy knows how to diversify.

5. Canelo Álvarez ($110 Million) – Punching for Profits

Canelo Álvarez isn’t just a boxing legend; he’s also a savvy entrepreneur. His ventures extend far beyond the ring, including successful sports drink and clothing lines. He’s also got a major deal with Everlast, one of the biggest names in boxing gear. It’s clear that Canelo’s not just fighting for himself—he’s building an empire.

6. Dustin Johnson ($107 Million) – Golfing for Gold

Dustin Johnson’s move to LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia, was controversial, but it’s certainly been profitable. He raked in $107 million this year, proving that sometimes taking a risk pays off. Johnson’s also amassed a staggering $75,380,703 from his PGA contests over the years. Not too shabby for a golfer, right?

7. Phil Mickelson ($106 Million) – The Golfing Goliath

At 52, Phil Mickelson showed he’s still got it at the 2023 Masters Tournament, earning $1.584 million. But his success isn’t limited to the golf course. Mickelson’s also a savvy entrepreneur with ventures in everything from food to sports tech. And let’s not forget his charitable contributions, which have made a real impact on communities around the world.

8. Stephen Curry ($100.4 Million) – Shooting for the Stars

Stephen Curry’s earnings soared past the $100 million mark this year, thanks to his salary and endorsements with brands like Under Armour and Chase Bank. But Curry’s not just about basketball. He’s also invested in VR platforms and sports ventures, showing that he’s as sharp off the court as he is on it.

9. Roger Federer ($95.1 Million) – The Tennis Titan

Even though Roger Federer has hung up his racket, his brand continues to thrive. His collaboration with eyewear brand Oliver Peoples is just one example of how his influence extends beyond tennis. Federer’s name still carries weight in the world of endorsements, and he’s using that to great effect.

10. Kevin Durant ($89.1 Million) – The Basketball Behemoth

Kevin Durant, or KD as he’s known, continues to dominate both on and off the court. His partnerships with global brands and his lifetime contract with Nike solidify his status as a sports legend. Durant’s not just about basketball—he’s also a savvy investor with stakes in everything from tech startups to restaurants.

11. Serena Williams ($87 Million) – The Tennis Trailblazer

Serena Williams isn’t just a tennis icon; she’s a trailblazer in every sense of the word. With 23 Grand Slam titles, she’s cemented her place in tennis history. But her success extends far beyond the court. Serena’s ventures in fashion, tech, and endorsements continue to bring in big bucks. She’s also known for her outspokenness on social issues, making her a true role model.

12. Neymar Jr. ($85 Million) – The Football Phenom

Brazilian sensation Neymar Jr. continues to captivate fans with his electrifying performances on the field. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain and maintaining a strong media presence has earned him lucrative deals with top brands like Nike and Red Bull. Neymar’s not just about soccer—he’s a global star in every sense of the word.

13. Tom Brady ($83 Million) – The NFL Legend

Tom Brady defies the odds at every turn. At an age where most NFL players have retired, Brady’s still breaking records and earning big. With seven Super Bowl championships under his belt, he’s also building a financial empire through endorsements and his TB12 lifestyle brand. Brady’s not just a great quarterback—he’s a business genius.

14. Conor McGregor ($80 Million) – The Fight Game Maestro

Conor McGregor may be best known for his explosive fights in the UFC, but he’s also a master of building a brand. His ventures include Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey and the August McGregor clothing line. McGregor’s ability to monetize his fame has kept him at the top of the earnings list, even when he’s not in the ring.

15. Naomi Osaka ($78 Million) – The Rising Tennis Star

Naomi Osaka has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in tennis. Her on-court success has been matched by her ability to secure lucrative endorsements with brands like Louis Vuitton and Nike. Osaka’s also known for her activism, using her platform to speak out on important social issues. She’s not just a tennis star—she’s a global icon.