World's highest-paid athletes break record

The world's wealthiest athletes are not getting any poorer. At least, that is what emerges from the latest ranking published today by business magazine Forbes.

The world's most wealthy athletes are not exactly becoming poorer. At least, that is evident from the brand new ranking published today by business magazine Forbes. For the first time in history, the top ten earn more than $100 million each, for a record-breaking $1.38 billion combined.

The Forbes list lists the fifty highest-paid athletes in the world. According to the business magazine, they have collectively earned around $3.88 billion (€3.5 billion) in the past twelve months, excluding taxes and brokerage fees. This is an increase of 13% compared to last year's record, which totaled $3.44 billion (€3.2 billion). About 76% of this amount comes from on-field income, such as salaries, bonuses and prize money.

The remaining 24% comes from extra pocket money, such as performances and licenses. A small spoiler in advance: Max Verstappen is the only Dutchman to have once again secured a spot in the top fifty. The driver earned around $81 million (€74.5 million) in the last 76 months according to Forbes, including $69.9 million (€1 million) through his contract with the F5 team and a further $4.6 million (€XNUMX million) from personal sponsorship deals . This puts him in seventeenth place.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Antetokounmpo is currently recovering from an Achilles tendon injury that ended a turbulent season for the basketball player. Despite this, he continues to rise off the field. He launched a manufacturing company in January, added a partnership with a soft drink brand in February and will release his sixth sneaker from Nike later this year. His total earnings amount to $111 million (€102 million). 

4. LeBron James

LeBron James is considered one of the best basketball players ever. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, his future with the team is the subject of much speculation. According to Forbes, the basketball player's total earnings amount to $128.2 million (€118 million).

3. Lionell Messi

The footballer's arrival in Miami has brought about a true revolution for his new club. Inter Miami has seen ticket sales soar and secured a series of lucrative sponsorship deals. Meanwhile, Messi is performing as expected. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner managed to score ten goals in his first nine games of this season. And of course that is paid for... In total the footballer earned last year  $135 million (€124 million).

2. Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm is a Spanish golf professional who has played on the PGA Tour and currently competes on the LIV Golf Tour. As an amateur, he set a record by holding the number one position in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for no fewer than 60 consecutive weeks. Joining LIV Golf proved to be a lucrative move considering the $350 million guarantee Rahm reportedly received to participate. Forbes estimates his total earnings at $218 million (€200 million). 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

This footballer really needs no introduction. Ronaldo's estimated income of $260 million (€239 million), a record, makes him the highest-paid athlete in the world for the fourth time in his career. This is mainly due to his impressive annual salary of $200 million at club Al Nassr.