Cristiano Ronaldo has once again secured his spot as the world’s highest-paid athlete, earning a staggering $260 million in 2024, according to sports industry news site Sportico.
However, no female athletes made it into the top 100 highest earners.
Athletes Dominate With $6.2 Billion in Earnings
The top 100 highest-paid athletes, mainly from football, the NBA, NFL, golf, and boxing, amassed a combined income of $6.2 billion over the past year.
This figure includes $4.8 billion in salaries and prize money, along with an additional $1.4 billion from endorsements.
Tennis star Coco Gauff was the highest-earning female athlete, bringing in $30.4 million—far behind Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones, who ranked 100th with $37.5 million.
Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League Move Secures His Top Spot
Ronaldo’s lucrative contract with Al Nassr has kept him at the summit for a second consecutive year since his move to the Saudi Pro League in December 2022.
Also See: Cristiano Ronaldo On Manchester United’s Struggles: ‘I’d Fix It As The Owner’
The 40-year-old Portugal captain raked in $215 million in wages, alongside an additional $45 million from sponsorships and endorsements.
His earnings put him well ahead of other top athletes, with Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry coming in at second place with $153.8 million—more than $100 million behind Ronaldo.
Top Five Highest-Paid Athletes in 2024
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) – $260 million
2. Stephen Curry (NBA) – $153.8 million
3. Tyson Fury (Boxing) – $147 million
4. Lionel Messi (Football) – $135 million
5. LeBron James (NBA) – $133.2 million
Notably, LeBron James, who turned 40, is the only player of his age still active in the NBA.
No Women in the Top 100 – Will That Change?
While no female athletes made the list this year, Coco Gauff, at just 20 years old, has the potential to climb higher in the coming years.
Historically, Naomi Osaka was the highest-paid female athlete in 2022, earning $57.3 million in prize money and endorsements, according to Forbes. Tennis legend Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, earned $41.8 million in 2021.
With rising female sports stars and increasing sponsorship opportunities, the landscape could shift in the near future. However, for now, the world’s highest-paid athletes remain dominated by male stars across various sports.
