Top Highest Paid Athletes by Total Earnings
The latest Forbes list of the highest paid athletes shows Cristiano Ronaldo leading with estimated total earnings of approximately $275 million, driven by his salary at Al Nassr and off-field business income. Lionel Messi follows with around $130 million, largely from his contract with Inter Miami and his equity stake in Messi Brands, while other top earners include NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and basketball star Stephen Curry Forbes 2024 Highest Paid Athletes.
These figures combine salary, guaranteed money, and estimated off-field income such as endorsements and business investments, reflecting a shift toward athletes building personal brands and equity stakes alongside their playing contracts. The methodology used by Forbes counts guaranteed on-field earnings plus estimated pretax off-field income, and it is updated annually to capture new contract signings and major endorsement deals.
Highest Paid by Sport and League
In the NBA, the highest paid player is Stephen Curry, whose five-year extension with the Golden State Warriors is worth roughly $215 million in guaranteed salary, making him one of the top earners in team sports Spotrac Stephen Curry Contract. In the NFL, Dak Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys, with $160 million guaranteed, setting a new benchmark for quarterback compensation in American football.
In soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr is reported to be worth around $200 million per year, making him the highest paid soccer player in the world, while Lionel Messi's deal with Inter Miami includes a share of the club's equity and streaming revenue Forbes Highest Paid Athletes 2024. In baseball, Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers includes $68 million per year in deferred payments, with $680 million deferred until after his contract ends.
How Athletes Build Income Beyond Salary
Top earners increasingly rely on endorsements, equity investments, and business ventures to boost their total income, with many signing deals in fashion, technology, and media that add tens of millions of dollars to their annual earnings. For example, LeBron James has built a portfolio through SpringHill Company and various brand partnerships, while Cristiano Ronaldo has launched CR7 fashion and fragrance lines that contribute significantly to his off-field income Forbes 2024 Highest Paid Athletes.
New media rights deals and direct-to-consumer platforms are also creating additional revenue streams, as leagues and athletes negotiate streaming and content rights that can add guaranteed income beyond traditional salary and endorsement contracts. These trends mean that the highest paid athletes are often those who combine on-field performance with business strategy, branding, and smart contract structures that maximize both current cash flow and long-term equity value Forbes Highest Paid Athletes.