Superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and LeBron James are among the many highest-paid athletes on the planet in the mean time.
These legendary figures have honed their craft by means of years of arduous work. The mastery of their professions brings them fame, fortune and wealth as properly.
Sportico have just lately launched a listing of the sports activities’ highest earners for 2023. The monetary numbers are fairly eye-watering. Aside from their astronomical wages, these athletes earn hefty sums by means of sponsorship offers as properly.
Footballers, Basketball superstars, Golfers, NFL superstars, and extra have been amongst 2023’s highest earners. On this listicle, we check out the seven highest-paid athletes in 2023.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Arguably the face of soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo earns a mammoth wage from his membership Al-Nassr. The Portugal captain accomplished a transfer to the Saudi Professional League membership on December 31, 2022.
He is paid a king’s ransom, £175 million per 12 months, by the SPL aspect. Ronaldo’s presence has additionally been an enormous enhance for Saudi Arabian soccer because the league has had an exponential international growth just lately.
Cristiano Ronaldo, aside from his astronomical wage, additionally has sponsorship ties with main international manufacturers like Nike, Tag Heuer, Armani and extra. He earned an estimated whole of £218 million in 2023 and was the highest-earning athlete.
#2 Jon Rahm
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm had a stunning 2023. The 29-year-old gained the Masters final 12 months and was additionally Europe’s hero of their Ryder Cup triumph in opposition to america.
Rahm, who just lately left the PGA Tour to affix the LIV Golf Tour, amassed a spectacular £161 million because of his triumphs on the golf course. The world no. 3 golfer ended up second on Sportico’s of highest-paid athletes.
#3 Lionel Messi
The data preserve racking up for Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain took residence his eighth Ballon d’Or award in 2023 and has gained the honour thrice greater than his everlasting rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi additionally made a significant profession transfer final 12 months, leaving European soccer to affix MLS membership Inter Miami. In 2023, he earned an impressive £52 million in wages from the Herons and in addition PSG.
Furthermore, Messi pockets a large quantity from endorsement offers. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner took residence a complete of £103 million final 12 months and is third on Sportico’s listing.
#4 LeBron James
LA Lakers celebrity LeBron James made greater than £99 million final 12 months, ending up because the fourth highest-paid athlete on the planet.
James, extensively considered the face of the NBA, was paid £36 million by the Lakers in wages. Aside from his on-court earnings, James additionally boosts his wealth by means of endorsement offers.
The 39-year-old ended up making a fortune off the courtroom as properly and is within the high 5 of Sportico’s listing.
#5 Kylian Mbappe
Paris Saint-Germain celebrity Kylian Mbappe is usually thought of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s inheritor in world soccer. He rounds off the highest 5 of the listing.
The Frenchman is among the coveted gamers on the planet and is paid a mega wage by PSG. Final 12 months, he earned round £80 million in wages from the Ligue 1 giants.
Aside from his wage, Mbappe additionally earns by means of sponsorship offers, capturing his whole earnings up to an enormous £99.2 million. The 25-year-old is the youngest title within the high 5 of Sportico’s listing.
#6 Neymar
Kylian Mbappe’s former PSG teammate, Neymar Jr. accomplished a summer time switch to Saudi Professional League giants Al-Hilal in 2023. The Brazilian, although, has hardly performed this season, having been sidelined with a cruciate ligament harm.
Regardless of his health points, Neymar pocketed £96 million final 12 months by means of wages and endorsement offers. The 32-year-old is a massively standard determine amongst followers and retains successful when it comes to his funds.
#7 Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors celebrity Stephen Curry has magical expertise and is a real entertainer. The NBA celebrity earns round £50 million in salaries from the Warriors.
Curry was the seventh highest-paid athlete in 2023 and earned round £78.5 million final 12 months (together with sponsorship offers). The 35-year-old is notably the primary NBA celebrity to earn greater than $50 million per 12 months in salaries.
