Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the title as the world's highest-paid athlete, amassing a staggering $260 million in total income for 2024. His continued dominance in the financial realm of sports is largely attributed to his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr. The list of top earners reveals that the world's 100 highest-paid athletes collectively brought in an estimated $6.2 billion last year. However, notably absent from the list are any female athletes, highlighting a significant gender disparity in sports earnings.
Football, the NBA, NFL, golf, and boxing remain the dominant sports among these top earners, with athletes hailing from 27 countries and participating in eight different sports. Ronaldo's impressive earnings comprise $215 million from wages and an additional $45 million from endorsements. This substantial income ensures that he retains his top position for the second consecutive year.
Following Ronaldo, NBA superstar Stephen Curry secured the second spot on the list with earnings of $153.8 million. LeBron James and Lionel Messi follow closely, with James earning $133.2 million and Messi slightly ahead at $135 million. Tyson Fury rounds out the top three with a noteworthy income of $147 million.
While female athletes have made strides in recent years, they are noticeably absent from this year's top 100 list. Naomi Osaka, who was the highest-paid female athlete in 2022 with earnings of $57.3 million, exemplifies the progress but also highlights the disparity. Last year, Coco Gauff emerged as the top-earning female athlete with an income of $30.4 million.
The list includes athletes who are currently active in their respective sports, with some exceptions like retired tennis legend Serena Williams. At the bottom of the list, Daniel Jones of the Minnesota Vikings managed to secure the 100th position with earnings of $37.5 million.
