Cristiano Ronaldo Tops the List of Highest-Paid Athletes in 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s most dominant and marketable athletes, topping Sportico’s list of the highest-paid athletes in 2024 with a staggering $260 million in earnings. The 40-year-old soccer star’s financial success is a testament to his enduring skill, global appeal, and shrewd off-field business acumen. Ronaldo’s earnings for the year were primarily driven by his lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, where he earned $215 million in salary and winnings. Additionally, he raked in $45 million through endorsements, further solidifying his position as a global brand.
Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has experienced a career resurgence, scoring an impressive 82 goals in 90 games for Al-Nassr and becoming the first male player to reach 900 career goals in September 2023. His relocation to Saudi Arabia not only reignited his on-field success but also underscored his ability to adapt and thrive in new environments. Ronaldo’s dominance extends beyond the soccer pitch, as he continues to be a major draw for sponsors and fans worldwide.
A Glimpse into the Top Earners of 2024
The list of the top-paid athletes in 2024 is a mix of familiar names and new entrants, reflecting the global nature of modern sports. Following Cristiano Ronaldo at the top is NBA superstar Steph Curry, who earned an estimated $153.8 million. Curry’s income was split between $53.8 million from salary and winnings and $100 million from endorsements. The Golden State Warriors star had a stellar year, leading Team USA to basketball gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite his team’s disappointing finish in the NBA season.
Third on the list is Britain’s Tyson Fury, who earned $147 million, primarily from his boxing career, with $140 million coming from salary and winnings and $7 million from endorsements. Fury’s earnings highlight the lucrative nature of combat sports, particularly boxing, where top fighters can command enormous payouts for high-profile bouts.
Behind Fury is Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time rival, who earned $135 million. Messi’s income was split between $60 million in salary and winnings and $75 million in endorsements. His inclusion in the top five underscores his continued relevance and marketability, even as he approaches the twilight of his career. Rounding out the top five is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who earned $133.2 million, with $48.2 million from salary and winnings and $85 million from endorsements.
Soccer’s Dominance and the Rise of Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo is not the only soccer player to feature prominently in the top 10. Joining him are Neymar and Karim Benzema, both of whom made big-money moves to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. Neymar, who has since returned to his boyhood club Santos, earned $133 million, while Benzema brought in $116 million. Their inclusion highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, which has attracted several high-profile players with lucrative deals.
The presence of multiple soccer players in the top 10 is a testament to the sport’s global reach and financial might. Soccer continues to be the world’s most popular sport, and its stars often command the highest salaries and endorsement deals. However, the list also reflects the growing diversity of sports represented, with athletes from basketball, boxing, tennis, and American football also making the cut.
The NFL’s Top Earners and the Broader Sports Landscape
While the top 10 is dominated by soccer and basketball stars, the NFL also had its representatives on the list. Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, was the highest-paid NFL player in 2024, earning $100.4 million and finishing in 12th place. Jalen Hurts, the quarterback of the Super Bowl LIX-winning Philadelphia Eagles, earned $46.1 million to secure the 65th spot. Their earnings highlight the lucrative nature of the NFL, where top players can earn tens of millions through contracts and endorsements.
The list also underscores the global nature of modern sports, with athletes from 27 countries and eight sports represented. In total, the top 100 athletes earned $6.2 billion in 2024, with $4.8 billion coming from salaries and winnings and $1.4 billion from endorsements. This figure reflects the immense financial power of professional sports, driven by massive television contracts, sponsorship deals, and the growing popularity of leagues and events worldwide.
The Missing Piece: Female Athletes and the Gender Pay Gap
Despite the impressive earnings of the top athletes, one glaring omission from the list is the absence of female athletes in the top 100. US tennis sensation Coco Gauff was the highest-earning female athlete in 2024, with an estimated $30.4 million. Her earnings, though significant, pale in comparison to those of the men in the top 100. Gauff’s inclusion outside the top 100 highlights the persistent gender pay gap in sports, where female athletes often earn far less than their male counterparts, despite their achievements and marketability.
Gauff, who made history as the youngest Team USA flag bearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the first tennis player to carry the flag, enjoyed a stellar year. She won the doubles title at the French Open and the singles championship at the WTA Finals, cementing her status as one of the brightest young stars in tennis. Her achievements on and off the court demonstrate the immense talent and dedication of female athletes, yet their financial rewards often fail to match those of their male peers.
The absence of female athletes from the top 100 earners raises important questions about gender equality in sports. While progress has been made in recent years, with increased attention and investment in women’s sports, the gap in earnings remains significant. Closing this gap will require continued advocacy, greater media exposure, and more equitable compensation structures to ensure that female athletes receive the financial recognition they deserve.
The Legacy of the Top Earners and the Future of Sports
The list of the highest-paid athletes in 2024 is more than just a ranking of earners; it is a reflection of the evolving landscape of sports. From the dominance of soccer and basketball to the rise of the Saudi Pro League and the persistent
