Ronaldo becomes world’s highest-paid athlete again: Check out the top ten

Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes for the fourth time in his career.

According to Forbes, the 39-year-old Portuguese forward earned $260 million (£205 million) in the past 12 months, up from $136 million (£108.7 million) the previous year.

Ronaldo’s longtime rival, Lionel Messi, has dropped to third place, now behind Spanish golfer Jon Rahm. Rahm has risen to second place following his switch to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, reportedly earning $218 million (£172 million).

Footballers Neymar and Karim Benzema have also entered the top 10 after their moves to the Saudi Pro League.

Basketball stars LeBron James (fourth), Giannis Antetokounmpo (fifth), and Stephen Curry (ninth) feature on the list, alongside American football quarterback Lamar Jackson, who holds the 10th spot.

Forbes reports that the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes collectively earned $1.38 billion (£1.06 billion) before taxes and agents’ fees over the past year, marking the highest total ever.

World’s top 10 highest paid athletes 2024

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $260m (£205m)
2. Jon Rahm, golf: $218m (£172m)
3. Lionel Messi, football: $135m (£107m)
4. LeBron James, basketball: $128.2m (£101m)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, basketball: $111m (£88m)
6. Kylian Mbappe, football: $110m (£87m)
7. Neymar, football: $108m (£85m)
8. Karim Benzema, football: $106m (£84m)
9. Stephen Curry, basketball: $102m (£80m)
10. Lamar Jackson, American football: $100.5m (£79m)