Illustration. The Peninsula
Thanks to skyrocketing league media rights and growing off-field opportunities, the world's ten highest-paid athletes collected an estimated $1.11 billion before taxes and agents’ fees over the last 12 months.
Here is the list of the World's highest-paid athletes of 2023, who are top names from four sports - football, golf, basketball, tennis, and boxing:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million)
On-Field: $46 million | Off-Field: $90 million | Nationality: Portugal | Sport: Soccer | Age: 38
Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr from Manchester United in January paved the way for his skyrocketing annual playing salary to an estimated $75 million. This puts him at the top of the athlete earnings list for the first time since 2017, the third time overall, and setting the all-time high for a football player with his $136 million total.
The 28 year old football star boasts one of the solid fanbases in the field with 850 million followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, making him irrestible and in demand from top brands.
2. Lionel Messi ($130 million)
On-Field: $65 million | Off-Field: $65 million | Nationality: Argentina | Sport: Soccer | Age: 35
Messi undeniably is one of the top earners among football players with an equal earnings of $65 million both on field and off field, reaching a stagerring total of $130 million. His recent victory with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar also gives him endless opportunities for endorsements.
3. Kylian Mbappé ($120 million)
On-Field: $100 million | Off-Field: $20 million | Nationality: France | Sport: Soccer | Age: 24
Mbappe makes a top ten debut in the earnings list with a total $120 million, making him the only member still under 30. His on field earnings also surpassed players Ronaldo and Messi with $100 million.
4. LeBron James ($119.5 million)
On-Field: $44.5 million | Off-Field: $75 million | Nationality: U.S. | Sport: Basketball | Age: 38
In June, LeBron James became the first active athlete to be certified as a billionaire by Forbes. The Los Angeles Lakers forward is also spearheading the sports nutrition company Ladder and the SpringHill company. On top of that, the 38 year old player also has an impressive stake at Fenway Sports Group and recently invested in a Major League Pickleball team.
5. Canelo Álvarez ($110 million)
On-Field: $100 million | Off-Field: $10 million | Nationality: Mexico | Sport: Boxing | Age: 32
The 32 year old boxer, Canelo Álvarez, is an active entrepreneur as he is the man behind the sports drink maker Yaoca and fitness app I Can. He also has a gas station chain called Canelo Energy as well as his own clothing line and branded credit card.
6. Dustin Johnson ($107 million)
On-Field: $102 million | Off-Field: $5 million | Nationality: U.S. | Sport: Golf | Age: 38
Johnson's move to Saudi-backed LIV Golf might have cost him sponsors but the prize money made him biggest gainer of the year.
7. Phil Mickelson ($106 million)
On-Field: $104 million | Off-Field: $2 million | Nationality: U.S. | Sport: Golf | Age: 52
One of the most accomplished golfers in history, Mickelson is a five-time major champion who is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist. At the 2023 Masters Tournament, he gave a performance to be proud of.
8. Stephen Curry ($100.4 million)
On-Field: $48.4 million | Off-Field: $52 million | Nationality: U.S. | Sport: Basketball | Age: 35
Curry is on his first year topping $100 million in the list and his salary of $48.1 million salary was the NBA's highest this season. Off field, he had signed a long-term extension with Under Armour and a new partnership with Chase Bank. The 35 yeard old basketball player also invested in VR platform Golf+ and TMRW Sports..
9. Roger Federer ($95.1 million)
On-Field: $0.1 million | Off-Field: $95 million | Nationality: Switzerland | Sport: Tennis | Age: 41
Following his retirement, one of the tennis greatest player Federer begins his second act with a licensing agreement for his RF brand with eyewear maker Oliver Peoples.
10. Kevin Durant ($89.1 million)
On-Field: $44.1 million | Off-Field: $45 million | Nationality: U.S. | Sport: Basketball | Age: 34
Popularly known as KD, the Phoenix Suns player has picked up stakes across various sports labels through his investing form 35V. He recently upgraded his contract with Nike to a lifetime deal, the only other players to do so being Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
