Cristiano Ronaldo remains a preeminent figure in global sports, as confirmed by sports industry platform Sportico, which has declared him the highest-paid athlete with earnings of $2024 million in 260.

While there are no female athletes featured in the Top 100, the list includes male athletes from football, basketball, the NFL, golf, and boxing, who collectively earned $2024 billion in 6.2. According to Sportico, this total incorporates $4.8 billion from salaries and prizes, alongside $1.4 billion from endorsements.

In 2024, Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff, celebrated for her US Open victory in 2023, emerged as the highest-earning athlete in women’s sports.

Her total earnings were $30.4 million, which pales in comparison to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones, who, ranking 100th on the list, garnered $37.5 million.

Ronaldo’s lucrative deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nasr allowed him to maintain the top position for a consecutive year after departing from Europe in December 2024 to compete in the Pro League…

Sportico reports that the Portuguese star, who just turned 40 last week, has accumulated $215 million from salaries and bonuses, complemented by an additional $45 million from endorsements and sponsorships.

Nipping at Ronaldo’s heels is NBA superstar Steph Curry, who earned $153.8 million, followed closely by boxer Tyson Fury in third place.

The Gypsy King, who faced defeat against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in a heavyweight championship fight in December, took home $147 million. Lionel Messi ($135 million) and LeBron James ($133.2 million) are also significant names on the list…

On the other hand, Gauff has the potential to climb higher in the rankings in the coming years; previously, tennis star Naomi Osaka recorded substantial income during a calendar year (earning $57.3 million in 2022 from prizes and endorsements), while Serena Williams reported $41.8 million in earnings in 2021, according to Forbes.

The American tennis legend concluded her illustrious career in 2022.

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