The world of sports is a big business - from packed stadiums to winning performances, fans live for all these moments. Whether Cristiano Ronaldo’s unmatched global influence or Lionel Messi’s dominance and success, these GOATs (greatest of all time) continue to set records on the pitch. But their passion for sports goes beyond the game. They also tend to invest in business ventures, endorsements, and other industry trends, contributing to their massive off-field earnings.
Forbes’ 2024 list of the highest-paid athletes tracks the biggest paychecks in sports, revealing who dominates the field and businesses, too. Last year, the top 10 popular athletes earned a total of $1.38 billion, a 24 percent increase from $1.11 billion in 2023. From high-value contracts to billion-dollar endorsements, the brand value of some expensive players is shaping the economy.
This post examines the list of the top 10 richest athletes worldwide and explains why they’re more than sports players.
First Published: Mar 21, 2025, 15:40
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