Lionel Messi has ranked first on Forbes’ annual World’s Highest-Paid Athletes list with estimated earnings of $127 million.
Messi, Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar rank first, second and third on the list which accounts for money, salaries and endorsements from athletes between June 2018 and June 2019.
Messi made $127 million last year, followed by Ronaldo’s $109 million while Neymar trailed just behind the Portuguese superstar with $105 million.
Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez is the highest paid non-footballer on the list with earnings of $94 million, in large thanks to his five-year, 11-fight deal worth at least $365 million, while tennis great Roger Federer comes in just behind him with earnings of $93.4 million.
The top 100 spans 10 sports and includes athletes from 25 countries with their $4 billion in combined earnings from prize money, salaries and endorsements up 5% from last year, when Floyd Mayweather was first with $285 million.
The cutoff to crack the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes is $25 million this year, compared with $17.3 million five years ago.
To view the full list click here.
Top 10
| Rank | Name | Pay | Salary/Winnings | Endorsements | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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#1 | Lionel Messi | $127 M | $92 M | $35 M | Soccer |
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#2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | $109 M | $65 M | $44 M | Soccer |
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#3 | Neymar | $105 M | $75 M | $30 M | Soccer |
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#4 | Canelo Alvarez | $94 M | $92 M | $2 M | Boxing |
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#5 | Roger Federer | $93.4 M | $7.4 M | $86 M | Tennis |
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#6 | Russell Wilson | $89.5 M | $80.5 M | $9 M | Football |
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#7 | Aaron Rodgers | $89.3 M | $80.3 M | $9 M | Football |
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#8 | LeBron James | $89 M | $36 M | $53 M | Basketball |
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#9 | Stephen Curry | $79.8 M | $37.8 M | $42 M | Basketball |
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#10 | Kevin Durant | $65.4 M | $30.4 M | $35 M | Basketball |
