Leading the ranking of the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo. He received 200 million USD in salary from Al Nassr and 60 million USD from advertising contracts. Ronaldo’s income far exceeds the 2nd ranked person and is above other football stars such as Messi and Mbappe.

Ranked 2nd on this list is a golfer. Athlete Jon Rahm has a very high income of up to 198 million USD from the sport he pursues. Jon Rahm joined LIV Golf – a tournament backed by Saudi Arabian tycoons. His reputation on social networks helped him earn an additional 20 million USD from off-field contracts.

Ranked 3rd in terms of income is Lionel Messi. The Argentine striker receives a salary of 65 million USD and he is considered an “expensive” investment of Inter Miami. In addition, Messi also received an additional 70 million USD from advertising contracts. Messi surprised public opinion when he refused a salary of 500 million USD from Saudi Arabia to play in the US.

Basketball legend Lebron James ranked 4th with a total income of 128.2 million USD from salary and off-the-field income. The 39-year-old star considered parting ways with the Los Angeles Laker but also wanted to continue so he could play football with his son. James is preparing for the future with a number of investments that are paying off well.

Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked 5th in the list of 10 highest-paid athletes. The Greek star receives 46 million USD per year from the parent club Milwaukee Bucks. He is one of the most prominent players in the American professional basketball tournament. Advertising contracts with Nike and Pepsi and revenue from his own company help him earn an additional 65 million USD per year.

Kylian Mbappe earns 110 million USD per year and ranks 6th in earnings in the sports world. He receives a salary of 90 million USD from PSG and an additional 20 million USD from advertising contracts. Mbappe is still focused on football and has not announced any notable business activities.

The contract with Al Hilal gives Neymar a salary of 80 million USD per year. The time of injury helped the striker carry out his plans for a fashion and beverage business and cooperate with Puma. This activity brings Neymar an additional 28 million USD per year.

Benzema ranked 8th in the list of highest-paid athletes in the world. Al Ittihad pays the French star a salary of 100 million USD/year, but Benzema only earns 8 million USD from non-football income.