The world of sports in 2024 showcases an incredible lineup of athletes who have not only achieved greatness in their respective fields but also secured massive financial success. From soccer stars to basketball legends, these athletes have negotiated contracts and endorsement deals that place them at the pinnacle of global earnings. Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paid athletes in 2024, ranked from 10th to 1st.
10. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic rounds out the top ten, thanks to his groundbreaking contract with the Denver Nuggets. Jokic’s five-year supermax extension, signed in 2022, is worth $264 million, making it the largest contract in NBA history at that time. His impressive earnings reflect his dominance on the court, where he has led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship and secured multiple MVP awards.
9. Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown ranks ninth, largely due to his historic contract with the Boston Celtics. Brown’s five-year, $304 million supermax extension made NBA history as the richest contract at the time. This fully guaranteed deal includes a trade kicker and no player option, solidifying Brown’s financial future. His contract, starting in the 2024-25 season, highlights the Celtics’ commitment to building a championship team around him.
8. Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder, is the eighth highest-paid athlete in 2024, thanks to his substantial contract with FC Barcelona. De Jong’s earnings are expected to reach €37.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in La Liga. His current income reflects deferred payments from previous seasons, which have now been settled. Despite Barcelona’s attempts to renegotiate his contract, de Jong’s earnings remain among the highest in the world.
7. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ star, ranks seventh among the highest-paid athletes in 2024. Tatum’s recent five-year, $314 million extension is the largest contract in NBA history. This deal, which will take effect in the 2025-26 season, ensures Tatum remains with the Celtics through 2029-30. His on-court performance, including leading the Celtics to an NBA championship, justifies this historic contract, reflecting the rapidly increasing salaries in the league.
6. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, one of soccer’s most iconic figures, ranks sixth on the list. In 2024, Messi’s earnings reached an impressive $600 million, with $65 million coming from his soccer career and the remainder from endorsements. His ability to balance on-field excellence with off-field commercial ventures underscores his global influence and financial success. Messi’s unique skill set continues to captivate fans worldwide, making him not just a soccer legend but also a financial juggernaut.
5. Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball sensation, ranks fifth with his record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The ten-year, $700 million deal is the largest in professional sports history, setting new records for total value and average annual income. Ohtani’s unique role as both a pitcher and a designated hitter makes him one of the most valuable players in Major League Baseball, and his earnings reflect this status.
4. Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. follows closely in fourth place, thanks to his lucrative contract with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. After his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s two-year deal with Al-Hilal is worth up to $175 million. This contract includes a significant salary, further bolstered by control over his image rights. Neymar’s earnings, combined with his global appeal and marketability, ensure his spot among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
3. Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, now playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, ranks third on the list for highest-paid athletes. After leaving Real Madrid in June 2023, Benzema secured a deal that pays him an incredible $214 million per year. This contract, which equates to $4.12 million per week, highlights the massive financial investments being made in Saudi Arabian football. Benzema’s earnings reflect both his on-field impact and his ability to embrace new opportunities in his career.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a major financial powerhouse, ranking second among the world’s highest-paid athletes. His historic contract with Al Nassr, signed in January 2023, is worth a staggering $207 million annually. This deal, which is the largest football contract ever, includes payments for playing, image rights, and commercial endorsements. Additionally, Ronaldo’s off-field earnings are significant, with $60 million annually from endorsements with global brands like Nike and Herbalife. Even at 39 years old, Ronaldo’s commercial appeal and social media presence continue to drive his financial success.
1. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé holds the title of the highest-paid athlete in the world for 2024. His recent move to Real Madrid, where he signed a groundbreaking five-year contract, has catapulted him to this position. This deal, which brings in €15 million ($16.2 million) annually after taxes, along with a substantial €150 million ($163 million) bonus, underscores his financial dominance. Including off-field income from endorsements and other ventures, Mbappé’s total earnings reach an astonishing $264 million. His financial success, combined with his on-field prowess, makes him a force to be reckoned with in the sports world.
The 2024 list of the highest-paid athletes illustrates the immense financial rewards available in today’s sports world. From Kylian Mbappé’s record-breaking contract at Real Madrid to the staggering deals in the Saudi Pro League, these athletes are not just top performers but also financial titans. Shohei Ohtani and Jayson Tatum highlight the global reach of sports, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to set benchmarks for earnings. These athletes exemplify how excellence in sports, combined with strategic business decisions, can lead to unprecedented financial success.
