There are 5 footballers ranked in the list of 10 highest paid athletes in 2024

Five of the world’s top ten highest-paid athletes are footballers, earning more than $719m between them.

Forbes published their annual list of the world’s highest-paid players, and for the first time since its inception in 2012, more than three footballers made it.

Coming in at number one is Cristiano Ronaldo, who took home $260m – $200m in on-field earnings. It is the fourth time Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr at the end of 2022, has topped the list, with his $260m salary a record for a footballer.

Lionel Messi is the second highest paid footballer, ranked third Forbes‘ list. With $70m of his £135m annual income coming from off-field endeavours, he is the only footballer in the top 10 whose on-field earnings are not their main source of income.

Only one commercial footballer in Europe made the Forbes list, and that is Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, who makes $110m. However, he is on the verge of retirement when he leaves the French competition this summer and is expected to join Real Madrid for a very low salary, although there may be more opportunities to trade for a higher profile club.

Despite their unsuccessful efforts in Saudi Arabia so far, Neymar (seventh) and Karim Benzema (eighth) also made the list. Brazilian forward Neymar earned $108m, while 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema ranked just behind on $106m, although his off-field earnings of just $6m was the second lowest on the list.

ForbesThe top ten is completed by golfer Jon Rahm (second), NBA stars LeBron James (fourth), Giannis Antetokounmpo (fifth) and Stephen Curry (ninth), and NFL’s Lamar Jackson (tenth).

READ THE LATEST NEWS, TRANSFER DETAILS AND RENTAL LAW