Forbes Reveals Top Paid Athletes of 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo Leads the Pack

As 2024 comes to a close, Forbes has unveiled its annual list of the world's highest-paid athletes, showcasing an elite mix of global icons from football, golf, basketball, and American football. Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo tops the rankings, securing his spot as the highest-earning athlete of the year.

The Portuguese superstar, who continues to shine in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, owes his ranking to lucrative sponsorship deals and a record-breaking contract. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, though trailing Ronaldo by a significant margin, remains among the top three earners, showcasing the enduring dominance of football in global sports.

Top Three Earners: Ronaldo, Rahm, and Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the top spot with an impressive $260 million in earnings. Of this, $200 million comes from his contract with Al-Nassr, while the remaining $60 million stems from sponsorship deals.

In second place is Jon Rahm, a leading figure in golf, who made headlines by joining LIV Golf in December. Rahm’s earnings totaled $218 million, underscoring golf's growing financial allure.

Lionel Messi rounds out the podium with $135 million, split between his $65 million contract with Inter Miami and $70 million in endorsements. Despite stepping away from Europe’s spotlight, Messi continues to command attention and admiration on and off the pitch.

Lamine Yamal on Messi: “There’s Only One”

Among the many athletes influenced by Lionel Messi, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal stands out as a rising football star. The Barcelona prodigy recently shared his admiration for Messi in an interview, emphasizing the Argentine's unmatched talent and relentless drive.

"Messi is one of a kind. Many players do well, but there’s no one like him. He never relaxed, even after winning Ballon d’Ors, Champions Leagues, and everything else. He didn’t stop until he got the World Cup,” Yamal stated.

The young talent praised Messi’s ability to perform under pressure and his unparalleled skill, saying, “What I admire most is how effortless he makes everything look. In a final, he’ll dribble past four players like it’s nothing. There’s only one like him.”

Global Icons in Focus

This year’s Forbes list highlights the widespread financial influence of football, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi showcasing the sport's dominance. Jon Rahm’s success underscores golf’s increasing financial power, particularly through ventures like LIV Golf.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal’s reflections on Messi serve as a reminder of the inspiration and legacy that transcends generations.

• Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with $260 million in earnings, driven by his Al-Nassr contract and sponsorships.
• Jon Rahm ranks second, earning $218 million, thanks to his move to LIV Golf.
• Lionel Messi secures third place with $135 million, highlighting his enduring appeal at Inter Miami.
• Football's Influence: The sport dominates the rankings, reflecting its global reach.
• Messi’s Legacy: Young talents like Lamine Yamal continue to draw inspiration from the Argentine’s achievements and relentless drive.