The world of sports is full of lucrative contracts and endorsement deals that make some athletes earn millions of dollars every year. But who are the top earners in 2023, and how much do they make? Here is a list of the 10 athletes with the most lucrative contracts in the world, ranked by their annual income from both their sports and their off-field ventures.
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with $269.5 million per year
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, thanks to his sensational move from England’s Premier League to Saudi Arabian soccer club Al Nassr. The Portuguese superstar signed a 2.5-year contract with the Middle Eastern team, worth a staggering $536.3 million, making him the first half-billion dollar player in sports history. He also earns $55 million a year from his endorsements, including Nike, Herbalife, and his own CR7 brand. Ronaldo’s annual income is estimated at $269.5 million, which is more than double the amount of the second-highest-paid athlete on the list.
Lionel Messi follows with $247.5 million per year
Lionel Messi is the second-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, despite staying with his longtime club Barcelona F.C. The Argentine wizard renewed his contract with the Spanish giants in 2017, for a four-year deal worth $674 million, making him the highest-paid soccer player in history at the time. He also rakes in $92 million a year from his endorsements, including Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei. Messi’s annual income is estimated at $247.5 million, which is still far ahead of the third-highest-paid athlete on the list.
Phil Mickelson surprises with $138 million per year
Phil Mickelson is the third-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the highest-paid golfer, thanks to his lucrative deal with LIV Golf. The American veteran signed a 10-year contract with the Middle Eastern golf company, worth $1.2 billion, making him the highest-paid golfer in history. He also earns $38 million a year from his endorsements, including Callaway, KPMG, and Rolex. Mickelson’s annual income is estimated at $138 million, which is more than double the amount of the second-highest-paid golfer on the list.
Kylian Mbappé rises with $128 million per year
Kylian Mbappé is the fourth-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the highest-paid under-30 athlete, thanks to his sensational move from France’s Ligue 1 to England’s Premier League. The French prodigy signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, worth $500 million, making him the highest-paid soccer player in the Premier League. He also earns $28 million a year from his endorsements, including Nike, Hublot, and FIFA. Mbappé’s annual income is estimated at $128 million, which is more than triple the amount of the second-highest-paid under-30 athlete on the list.
Canelo Alvarez shines with $98.4 million per year
Canelo Alvarez is the fifth-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the highest-paid boxer, thanks to his groundbreaking deal with streaming service DAZN. The Mexican champion agreed to a five-year, 11-fight deal with the platform, worth $365 million, making him the highest-paid boxer in history. He also earns $33.4 million a year from his endorsements, including Tecate, Hennessy, and Under Armour. Alvarez’s annual income is estimated at $98.4 million, which is more than double the amount of the second-highest-paid boxer on the list.
Stephen Curry dazzles with $95.8 million per year
Stephen Curry is the sixth-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the highest-paid basketball player, thanks to his record-breaking contract with the Golden State Warriors. The American superstar signed a five-year contract with the NBA team, worth $201 million, making him the highest-paid basketball player in history at the time. He also earns $45 million a year from his endorsements, including Under Armour, Chase, and Rakuten. Curry’s annual income is estimated at $95.8 million, which is slightly ahead of the second-highest-paid basketball player on the list.
Kevin Durant impresses with $84.4 million per year
Kevin Durant is the seventh-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the second-highest-paid basketball player, thanks to his lucrative contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The American star signed a four-year contract with the NBA team, worth $164 million, making him one of the highest-paid basketball players in history. He also earns $40 million a year from his endorsements, including Nike, Google, and Mastercard. Durant’s annual income is estimated at $84.4 million, which is slightly behind the sixth-highest-paid athlete on the list.
Dustin Johnson dominates with $68.5 million per year
Dustin Johnson is the eighth-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the second-highest-paid golfer, thanks to his lucrative deal with LIV Golf. The American ace signed a 10-year contract with the Middle Eastern golf company, worth $600 million, making him one of the highest-paid golfers in history. He also earns $18.5 million a year from his endorsements, including Adidas, TaylorMade, and Rolex. Johnson’s annual income is estimated at $68.5 million, which is slightly ahead of the ninth-highest-paid athlete on the list.
Neymar Jr. dazzles with $66.5 million per year
Neymar Jr. is the ninth-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the third-highest-paid soccer player, thanks to his lucrative contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian star signed a five-year contract with the French club, worth $270 million, making him one of the highest-paid soccer players in history. He also earns $36.5 million a year from his endorsements, including Nike, Red Bull, and Gillette. Neymar’s annual income is estimated at $66.5 million, which is slightly behind the eighth-highest-paid athlete on the list.
Lewis Hamilton speeds with $64 million per year
Lewis Hamilton is the tenth-highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023, and the highest-paid Formula One driver, thanks to his record-breaking contract with Mercedes. The British champion signed a three-year contract with the German team, worth $150 million, making him the highest-paid Formula One driver in history. He also earns $14 million a year from his endorsements, including Tommy Hilfiger, Bose, and Monster Energy. Hamilton’s annual income is estimated at $64 million, which is slightly behind the ninth-highest-paid athlete on the list.
These are the 10 athletes with the most lucrative contracts in the world in 2023, according to various sources. They are the elite of the elite, earning millions of dollars every year from their sports and their off-field ventures. They are the icons of their respective fields, and the role models for many aspiring athletes around the world.
