Top Highest Paid Athletes 2021 by Total Earnings
The 2021 ranking of highest paid athletes shows Conor McGregor as the top earner with an estimated $180 million, followed by Lionel Messi at $130 million and Cristiano Ronaldo at $120 million. The Forbes 2021 list highlights a mix of salary, winnings, and off-field income across sports, with most top earners coming from soccer, boxing, and basketball. You can see the full Forbes 2021 athlete earnings breakdown at Forbes.
Forbes reported that the average top 10 highest paid athlete in 2021 earned more than $100 million, driven by massive media deals and brand partnerships. Paydays are shaped by league minimums, championship bonuses, and long-term endorsement contracts with major consumer and tech brands. The gap between the very top earners and the rest of the list widened as off-field income became a larger share of total pay.
How the Highest Paid Athletes 2021 Earned Their Income
Salary, Winnings, and Guaranteed Contracts
On-field pay for the highest paid athletes 2021 came from guaranteed salaries, tournament prizes, and win bonuses in leagues such as the NBA, Premier League, and UFC. Lionel Messi's $130 million included a large salary from FC Barcelona before his contract situation changed, while Cristiano Ronaldo's earnings reflected his move to Juventus and later Manchester United. Conor McGregor's income was heavily weighted toward his UFC fight purses and the lightweight title bouts that drove pay-per-view revenue.
Endorsements, Business Ventures, and Off-Field Income
Off-field income for the highest paid athletes 2021 came from endorsements with companies like Adidas, Nike, and Red Bull, plus ownership stakes in startups and consumer brands. Roger Federer earned a spot near the top of the list thanks to long-term deals with Rolex, Uniqlo, and Mercedes-Benz, while Tiger Woods remained highly paid through golf course design and brand partnerships. Many athletes also earn through media rights, appearances, and equity in companies that later go public or get acquired.
Rankings, Demographics, and Trends in the 2021 Athlete Earnings List
By sport, soccer had the most athletes in the top tier of the 2021 list, with NBA stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry also appearing among the highest paid athletes 2021. The list shows a concentration of earners from the United States, Europe, and a few athletes from Brazil and Argentina, reflecting the global reach of major leagues and international competitions. Age diversity is notable, with younger stars in boxing and soccer joining older legends in golf and tennis at the top of the earnings table.
Trends from the 2021 data point to growing importance of social media reach, international markets, and equity deals in boosting athlete income beyond traditional contracts. The SEC filings and public disclosures of athlete-linked businesses show how many top earners use holding companies and brand partnerships to manage taxes and long-term wealth. You can review the latest annual athlete earnings reports and methodology at Forbes and the official earnings data on Forbes Athletes.