The world’s top-earning sports stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Lionel Messi, are making waves both on and off the field.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe, renowned football icons, dominate both earnings charts and headlines worldwide. Their fame transcends the sport of football itself, yet they face stiff competition for the coveted title of Forbes’ highest-earning athlete in 2023.

 

 

Notable contenders include basketball superstars LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, who amass considerable wealth both through their performances on the court and lucrative shoe deals that generously compensate them.

Even after retiring officially last year, tennis legend Roger Federer secured a place in the top 10 earners list. Federer’s total earnings amount to $95.1 million, with a minuscule $0.1 million coming from his final competitive match, played as a doubles game alongside Rafael Nadal in September 2022. The remaining $95 million stems from off-field income, thanks to a slew of brand deals and sponsorships.

 

Basketball sensation Kevin Durant, a forward for the Phoenix Suns, clinches the 10th spot on Forbes’ highest earners list with combined earnings of $89.1 million, with a substantial portion—$44.1 million—attributed to his NBA contract. Durant’s off-court ventures net him an impressive $45 million, largely due to his valuable lifetime shoe contract with Nike.

 

Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ guard, racks up a total of $100.4 million through his on-court and off-court pursuits. With earnings almost evenly split, Curry’s Warriors contract contributed $48.4 million to his 2023 income, a figure set to rise to $51.9 million next season, making him the first NBA player to earn over $50 million per season. Off the court, Curry’s financial prowess remains formidable, amassing a staggering $52 million thanks to shrewd investments and lucrative sponsorships.

 

LeBron James, another basketball icon, secured a significant portion of his 2023 earnings through endorsements and sponsorships. His contract with the Los Angeles Lakers brought in $44.5 million, while his off-field deals yielded a staggering $75 million, resulting in total earnings of $119.5 million.

Topping the Forbes highest earners list for 2023 is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, a football legend. Forbes estimates that Ronaldo earned $46 million on the field, a figure set to rise, alongside a substantial off-field income of $90 million. In total, Ronaldo’s earnings for 2023 reach an astounding $136 million.

 

Lionel Messi, another football superstar, takes second place on the Forbes highest earners list with total earnings of $130 million. His income is evenly split, with $65 million coming from on-field achievements and an additional $65 million from off-field endeavors. Despite falling short of the top spot, Messi’s recent World Cup victory in December leaves little room for disappointment.