Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the fourth time in his career. Ronaldo’s on-field earnings reached $200 million, with an additional $60 million coming from off-field activities.
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm is in second place after his high-profile switch to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf, securing a minimum of $300 million. Including other earnings, Rahm has made $218 million.
Lionel Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), ranks third with total earnings of $135 million. Messi’s income includes $65 million from on-field activities and $70 million off-field, bolstered by deals with major brands like Adidas and Apple.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is fourth, earning $128.2 million, followed by Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo at $111 million, completing the top five.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe ranks sixth with $110 million. His former PSG teammate Neymar, currently with Al Hilal, is seventh with $108 million despite missing much of the season due to a torn ACL.