From golf to basketball or soccer, some athletes have made their mark not only on their respective sports but also on the Forbes list of highest salaries in sports.
They have the highest salaries in sports – when you see their numbers, you might think they’re tech moguls, not athletes. But in the world of sports, surprising talent often goes hand in hand with impressive wealth.
Athletes not only earn recognition for their exceptional skills but also gain fortunes through lucrative contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
Over time, each renowned athlete faces the massive opportunity of starting various collaborations with giants from the athletic apparel sector and beyond.
And while sports can provide surprising earnings, other financial activities can take those earnings and double or even triple them.
And do you know what is most surprising?
Over half of the people on our list of highest salaries in sports are under 30, and five of them are 25 or younger.
It seems unachievable, but these people have already proven that it is not. We know you’re curious, so let’s dive right into it.
These are the top highest salaries in sports!
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15
Rory McIlroy
Starting off our list is Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy.
Net worth – $80.8 million.
With a captivating swing and numerous titles, including four major championships, McIlroy has become a global golfing icon.
His wealth extends beyond the fairways, as his endorsement deals with brands like Nike and TaylorMade have bolstered his earnings significantly.
McIlroy’s net worth hovers around $81 million, making him a prominent figure in both the golfing world and the wealth rankings.
14
Russell Westbrook
NBA star Russell Westbrook’s explosive athleticism and dynamic playing style have garnered him immense fame and wealth.
Net worth – $82.1 million.
Westbrook, a former MVP and triple-double machine, has the business acumen to match his on-court accomplishments.
From fashion ventures to endorsement deals with Jordan and others, Westbrook’s earnings have skyrocketed.
As a basketball phenomenon, he also enjoys one of the highest salaries in sports.
13
Russell Wilson
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is not only a powerhouse on the gridiron but also in the business realm.
Net worth – $85 million.
Beyond his impressive NFL career, Wilson’s strategic investments, entrepreneurial endeavors, and endorsement partnerships with major brands like Nike and Amazon have improved his financial standing.
His bank account showcases his ability to conquer both the sports arena and the world of finance.
12
Neymar Jr.
Renowned for his dazzling skills and flamboyant playing style, Brazilian soccer sensation Neymar has made waves on and off the field.
Net worth – $85 million.
A pivotal figure in Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team, Neymar’s transfer fees and endorsements with brands like Nike and Red Bull contribute to him being number 12 on the list of highest salaries in sports.
With his star continuing to rise, Neymar remains an influential presence in the sports and entertainment industries.
11
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks’ forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, fondly known as the “Greek Freak,” has taken the basketball world by storm.
Net worth – $87.6 million.
His incredible versatility and dominance have led to multiple MVP awards and a massive contract extension with the Bucks.
Beyond the court, Giannis has inked lucrative endorsement deals, notably with Nike.
His on-court magic and deals outside of it got him number 11 on our list of highest salaries in sports.
10
Kevin Durant
A prolific scorer and one of the most recognizable names in the NBA, Kevin Durant has cemented his place in basketball history over his 16 years of playing.
Net worth – $89.1 million.
Beyond his on-court skills, Durant’s business investments, tech ventures, and endorsement partnerships, including deals with Nike and Beats by Dre, have significantly contributed to his wealth.
Durant’s success extends well beyond the three-point line.
9
Roger Federer
Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer is number 9 on the list of richest people in sports. He has reshaped the endorsement landscape with his deals with Rolex and Uniqlo.
Net worth – $95.1 million.
With a remarkable collection of Grand Slam titles and a gracefully fluid playing style, Federer’s on-court success has been seamlessly complemented by his strategic alliances with prestigious brands.
He has firmly established himself among the global elite of wealth and endurance as an iconic symbol of tennis excellence. That’s why he’s landed himself 9th place on our list of highest salaries in sports.
8
Steph Curry
Steph Curry’s transcendent impact on the game of basketball has traversed the realm of sports, propelling him into the area of a cultural phenomenon.
Net worth – $100.4 million.
Curry is known as the Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooting wizard, and his transformative impact is reflected in his lucrative marketing deals, especially with sportswear giant Under Armour.
Curry’s financial status has risen substantially thanks to his brand partnerships and NBA earnings, exceeding the $100 million mark.
7
Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson’s long and successful career in golf, which includes winning major championships, has left a lasting mark on the hearts of golf fans.
Net worth – $106 million.
Mickelson’s charismatic personality and excellent golfing skills have helped him get marketing deals with well-known companies like Callaway and KPMG, which has increased his wealth.
Mickelson is more than just a golfer. He is the perfect combination of a sporting star and a smart businessman. And that perfect combination is the reason he’s so high on our list of highest salaries in sports.
6
Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson is a force to be reckoned with on golf‘s vast courses. He has harnessed the power of his mighty drives and steady accuracy to rise to the top of the sport.
Net worth – $107 million.
As an example of someone who has won big championships and stayed consistent over time, Johnson’s financial rise has been helped by a strategic mix of endorsements from top brands like TaylorMade and Hublot.
The combination of his skills as a golfer and as a business has given him a net worth of about $107 million. This shows that he is a high-ranking scion in golf’s kingdom of wealth.
5
Canelo Alvarez
Boxing takes its rightful place in our top list with the remarkable Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Net worth – $110 million.
Alvarez has not only won in the fighting ring, but he has also won in the business arena.
Canelo has won multiple world titles in different weight classes, and his skill at boxing has led to very expensive contracts, including a historic one with the streaming giant DAZN.
Because of these wins, he now has endorsement deals and his own promotion company, both of which help him amplify his earnings.
His influence can be seen not only in the ring but also in his growing financial wealth, earning an impressive fifth spot on our list of highest salaries in sports.
4
LeBron James
A name that resonates with basketball greatness, LeBron James has etched an indelible mark on the NBA and beyond.
Net worth – $119.5 million.
Besides his towering athletic achievements, James has adeptly secured a plethora of endorsement deals, most notably solidifying his partnership with the athletic juggernaut Nike.
Diversifying his portfolio, he has also ventured into the realms of Hollywood with various production projects.
The fusion of his on-court earnings and his off-court endeavors has given rise to a hefty bag, showcasing him not solely as a basketball legend but as a mogul in his own right.
3
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé, the soccer “wonder kid,” has taken the world by storm with his incredible speed and skills that no one else has.
Net worth – $120 million.
Mbappé’s ability has led to big endorsement deals with companies like Nike and Hublot. He is an important player for both Paris Saint-Germain and the famous French national team.
His rising career path and appealing image have given him an estimated net worth of about $120 million. This has put him at the top of the soccer world and firmly in the top 3 highest salaries in sports.
2
Lionel Messi
In the captivating world of soccer, there are a select few names that command a level of reverence and respect comparable to that of Lionel Messi.
Net worth – $130 million.
His skill and amazing ability to put the ball in the back of the net has made him more than just a good athlete. They have inspired a worldwide love that has no limits.
Messi’s story of success, however, goes beyond the lines. His smart partnerships with endorsement powerhouses like Adidas and Pepsi show how important he is in both the sports world and the business world.
Because of how well his skills on the field and his commercial attraction go together, he has made a lot of money.
Messi is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. His total net worth is around $130 million.
This placing shows off not only how good he is on the field, but also how smart he is when it comes to money.
1
Cristiano Ronaldo
At the top of our list is none other than the world-famous soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the perfect example of dedication and greatness.
His journey, which is full of records, titles, and awards, shows not only how successful he has been on the field, but also how smart he is as a businessman.
Ronaldo’s genius is multifaceted. It includes both his incredible athletic skills and his smart business sense.
The endorsement deals he makes with well-known brands like Nike and Clear form a symphony that goes well with his own brand, CR7. This is a live example of how well he understands how to run a business.
It’s a combination that goes beyond standard boundaries and has put him in a place where business and sports work well together.
Ronaldo’s financial dominance is clear from the fact that his estimated net worth is around $136 million. This shows how dedicated he is to both his skill and his financial goals.
And finally, our list of the highest salaries in sports concludes. The earnings of the people on this list prove that with great talent, comes a pretty hefty paycheck.
Keep your eyes open, there are more articles like this coming real soon! See you next time.
