Sports have always captivated our attention, not only for the incredible physical feats that athletes accomplish but also for the lucrative rewards that come with their success.
In rising to the top of their field, a select group of exceptional athletes has not only dominated their respective fields but also amassing staggering wealth whilst doing so – far more than their contemporaries.
Recently, Forbes published a list of the world’s Top 10 highest-paid athletes. While the top three earners are footballers, it might surprise you to discover other sports stars from the world of golf, boxing, tennis and basketball feature on the list too.
In case you missed it, in this article, we will give you a rundown of who those elite athletes are and how much they earn. The figures are based on what was as published by Forbes and may well surprise you!
So, let’s get into it.
10. Kevin Durant — $133.2 million
Sport: Basketball
Competitive Earnings: $65.9 Million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $67.3 Million
Since being drafted as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics (who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder), Kevin Durant has set about forging a reputation as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He is also one of the highest earners too, thanks to a fairly even split between his sporting and commercials earnings.
Now aged 34, he is in the twilight of his career, but at 6 feet 10 inches tall, he is still an imposing figure on the court, possessing an excellent combination of size, skill, and versatility that has made him a dominant force.
Durant’s journey to basketball stardom began in his childhood in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where his exceptional talent quickly became evident. In high school, he gained national attention as one of the top prospects in the country, leading him to attend the University of Texas for one season before declaring for the NBA Draft.
After his 2007 draft, he wasted no time in making an impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award and quickly establishing himself as a prolific scorer. Durant’s offensive prowess, characterised by his effortless shooting stroke, agility, and ability to score from anywhere on the court, propelled him to superstardom.
During his tenure with the Thunder, Durant formed a formidable duo with teammate Russell Westbrook, leading the team to several deep playoff runs, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2012. However, in 2016, Durant made a controversial decision to join the Golden State Warriors, a move that sparked debate and criticism but also led to an unprecedented level of success.
With the Warriors, Durant won two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018, earning Finals MVP honours on both occasions. His ability to consistently perform at an elite level in high-stakes playoff games solidified his reputation as one of the game’s premier players.
Off the court, Durant is known for his philanthropy and entrepreneurial endeavours. He has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives, including his foundation, which focuses on educational and social programmes benefiting underserved youth. Durant has also ventured into the business world, investing in numerous tech startups and media companies.
In 2019, Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets, forming another dynamic duo with Kyrie Irving. Although he faced a setback with an Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him for the 2019-2020 season, Durant made a triumphant return in 2020-2021, showcasing his scoring prowess and leading the Nets to the playoffs.
9. Roger Federer — $142.1 million
Sport: Tennis
Competitive Earnings: $150,000
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $141.9 million
It says much about the standing of Roger Federer in the world of sports that he received a standing ovation from every other elite athlete – across all sports – during the London Olympics of 2012 just for walking into the lunchroom!
One of the greatest tennis players of all time, the Swiss maestro is renowned for his elegant playing style, graceful movement on the court, and impeccable sportsmanship. Over the years, he has captivated audiences around the world with his exceptional skill and remarkable longevity.
It’s hard to believe that Federer turned professional in 1998. It took him five years to break through on the international stage, winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. But that win in 2003 marked the beginning of a truly remarkable career.
Over the years, Federer has amassed an astonishing record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles. He has won each of the four Grand Slam tournaments multiple times, including a record-breaking eight Wimbledon titles. He has also won a record six ATP Finals titles and has spent a total of 310 weeks ranked as the world’s No. 1 player, a record in men’s tennis.
Now retired, injury curtailed the latter part of his career. However, his love for the game and unwavering determination did see him make successful comebacks, demonstrating his resilience and passion for tennis.
Away from the sport, Federer is known for his philanthropic efforts and his role as a global ambassador for tennis. He established the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003, which focuses on improving access to education and sports for children in need.
8. Stephen Curry — $150 million
Sport: Basketball
Competitive Earnings: $72.3 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $77.7 million
Stephen Curry is the second basketball player on this list. A true legend, he has revolutionised the game of basketball with his exceptional shooting skills and electrifying style of play. Over the years, Curry has shattered records and captured the imagination of fans worldwide with his incredible shooting range and ability to make shots from seemingly impossible distances.
As the son of former NBA player Dell Curry, some might posit that his talent is in his genes. But his success has undoubtedly been honed by his exceptional work ethic, dedication and commitment to improving his overall game. In 2009, he was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Draft, a move that would shape the trajectory of both his career and the franchise.
Since entering the NBA, Curry has established himself as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game. With his lightning-quick release, exceptional ball-handling skills, and unparalleled accuracy, he has redefined the notion of what is possible on the basketball court. Curry’s ability to shoot from well beyond the three-point line has stretched defences and forced teams to adapt their strategies to counter his game-changing shooting ability.
Curry’s success is reflected in his numerous accolades, including two NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2015 and 2016. He has led the Warriors to multiple NBA championships, helping to establish a dynasty that captivated basketball fans worldwide. His performances in the playoffs, including his record-breaking three-point shooting, have become the stuff of legend.
Beyond his individual achievements, Curry’s impact extends off the court. He is known for his philanthropy and community involvement, using his platform to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through initiatives like the Nothing But Nets campaign, Curry has helped provide bed nets to protect against malaria in underprivileged communities.
Ultimately though, Curry’s legacy will also be on the court, where his ability to light up arenas with his incredible shooting displays and influence on the game will be felt long after he has retired.
7. Phil Mickelson— $158 million
Sport: Golf
Competitive Earnings $155.4 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $2.6 million
If anyone had doubts about Phil Mickelson’s status as one of the greatest golfers of his generation, he well and truly put that to bed at 50 when he won the PGA Championship in 2021. In the process, he became the oldest person to do so.
Now playing in the LIV Golf League, Mickelson’s achievements in the game are extraordinary. He turned professional in 1992, making his breakthrough on the PGA Tour with his first victory in 1996. Since then, he has amassed an impressive 45 wins on the PGA Tour, including six major championships.
Known affectionately as ‘Lefty’ due to his left-handed playing style, Mickelson’s career has been marked by his exceptional short game, strategic shot-making, and flair for the dramatic. With his
exciting and often unconventional style of play, he has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, cementing his status as one of golf’s most iconic figures.
Beyond his significant wins, Mickelson’s consistency and longevity in the sport have been remarkable. He has been a fixture among the top-ranked players in the world and has represented the USA in numerous Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups. His aggressive playing style, fearless approach to difficult shots, and remarkable recovery skills have made him among the most exciting players.
Mickelson is known off the golf course for his philanthropic efforts and engaging personality. He has been involved in several charitable initiatives., including supporting causes related to education and medical research.
6. Dustin Johnson— $160 million
Sport: Golf
Competitive Earnings: $152 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $8 million
It might surprise some people to see Dustin Johnson feature at number six on this list. But with his powerful drives, impeccable ball-striking, and cool demeanour, the 38-year-old has established himself as one of the most dominant players in the world of golf.
After turning pro in 2007, he won his PGA Tour victory a year later. Since then, he has amassed 24 wins on the PGA Tour, including one major championship, the 2016 US Open and 9 on the European Tour.
Admired for his remarkable athleticism and incredible distance off the tee, Johnson has been consistently ranked among the longest hitters in the game. His playing style is characterised by his calm and collected approach. Even under pressure, he maintains a relaxed demeanour, which has earned him a reputation for being unflappable in high-stakes situations. His ability to stay focused and make clutch shots down the stretch has contributed to his success in capturing numerous victories.
Off the golf course, Johnson is known for his laid-back personality and love for fitness. He takes pride in his physical conditioning, which has helped him maintain a high level of performance throughout his career.
5. Canelo Alvarez — $164.4 million
Sport: Boxing
Competitive Earnings: $149.4 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $15 million
Canelo Alvarez is the only boxer on this list.
Reputed by many judges to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, his professional career began when he was just 15.
He is known for his remarkable hand speed, powerful punches, and defensive prowess and displays a well-rounded skill set that has enabled him to excel in various weight classes.
Throughout his career, Alvarez has competed in some of the biggest fights in boxing, prevailing over several much-fancied opponents. He has captured multiple world titles in different weight divisions, beating Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev, and Callum Smith.
Alvarez’s success extends beyond his in-ring achievements. He has become a global boxing superstar, attracting a massive fan base with his charismatic personality, exciting fighting style, and pride in representing Mexico. His popularity has earned him numerous endorsement deals and opportunities to participate in high-profile events.
Off the boxing stage, Alvarez is also involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes in Mexico. He has donated funds to help those in need and has actively raised awareness about social issues.
4. LeBron James — $178.5 million
Sport: Basketball
Competitive Earnings: $66.5 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $112 million
Towering at 6 feet 9 inches, LeBron James rightly deserves to be considered one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Burst onto the national basketball scene during high school, he garnered unprecedented attention and accolades as one of the most highly touted basketball prospects ever. In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, beginning a remarkable professional career that is still going strong.
James has an incredible skill set and a high basketball IQ. His size, speed, strength, and versatility have allowed him to excel in multiple positions and impact both ends of the court. Lebron is also known for his exceptional passing ability and scoring prowess, which enable him to control the game and elevate the play of his teammates.
James has achieved remarkable success in the NBA, winning four championships (two with the Miami Heat, one each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers) and capturing four NBA Finals MVP awards. He has been named to the All-NBA First Team numerous times, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite players.
Off the court, James is an influential figure known for his philanthropy and activism. He has established the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports education and youth empowerment programs. Additionally, James advocates for social justice and has been vocal about racial equality and education reform.
3. Kylian Mbappé — $179.3 million
Sport: Football
Competitive Earnings: $149.4 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $29.9 million
Kylian Mbappé is the first of three footballers on this. Still only 24, the French striker is a phenomenon, making his debut for AS Monaco when he was just 16.
Possessing electrifying speed, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability, Mbappé helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title when he was just 17. A couple of years later, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan, before moving permanently. Since then, he has won several domestic cups and titles with them.
On the international stage, Mbappé has scored 38 goals in 68 games for the French national team and played a pivotal role in their triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He became only the second teenager in history after Pele to score in a World Cup final. Mbappé’s performances earned him the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player award in that tournament.
Mbappé is known for his humble demeanour and philanthropic efforts off the field. He is involved in various charitable initiatives, including donating his World Cup earnings to a charity organisation that supports children with disabilities.
2. Lionel Messi — $194.3 million
Sport: Football
Competitive Earnings: $97.1 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $97.1 million
When Argentina beat France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, it was a defining moment for Lionel Messi. For many, it justifies giving him the tag of the world’s greatest footballer.
Messi is a genius with extraordinary skill, exceptional vision, and a mesmerising dribbling ability. It didn’t take long for Barcelona to recognise this, giving him a debut at just 17.
For 17 years, he was the mainstay of Barcelona, scoring 474 goals for them in 520 games and helping them win countless trophies, including multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and UEFA Champions League. He has also won the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or award seven times, establishing himself as one of the most decorated players in history.
During his time at Barcelona, his partnership with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta formed the foundation of Barcelona’s iconic ‘tiki-taka’ style of play.
Now at PSG, Messi doesn’t have many years left in the game, but his legacy will continue for decades to come in the same vein as his Argentinian counterpart Diego Maradona’s.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $203.3 million
Sport: Football
Competitive Earnings: $68.7 million
Sponsors and Commercial Enterprises: $134.6 million
His best chance of winning a world cup might be gone. But at least Cristiano Ronaldo can console himself on being the highest-paid athlete on the planet.
Currently earning a reputed $68 million a year at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s career has seen him play for Sporting Lisbon, Man Utd (twice), Real Madrid and Juventus. During his outstanding European career, he has won 32 trophies, becoming the first player to win every major domestic competition in England, Spain and Italy. He also has won five Ballon d’Or awards and four Golden Boots.
Overall, Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on the game of football is undeniable. His incredible physical attributes, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability have set him apart from his peers – except for Messi. Additionally, Ronaldo’s competitive spirit, dedication to his craft, and desire for constant improvement have made him an inspiration for aspiring players around the world.
With his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time firmly established, Ronaldo, like Messi, will surely be remembered for generations.