Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi is the highest-paid athlete in the world over the last 12 months, according to Forbes. Messi, who earns a reported $75 million a year from playing soccer, also cashes in on $55 million from sponsorship deals and endorsements.
NBA superstar James comes in a narrow second on the rich list, earning $121.2 million a year. The Los Angeles Lakers forward may have missed the playoffs this season but he’s been dominant off the court, cashing in on his talk show and starring in last year’s Space Jam: A New Legacy film.
Forbes estimates James is now worth a staggering $850 million. Cristiano Ronaldo completes the top three, earning $115 million after moving from Juventus to Manchester United.
Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes 2022
Lionel Messi: $130 million
LeBron James: $121.2 million
Cristiano Ronaldo: $115 million
Neymar: $95 million
Stephen Curry: $92.8 million
Kevin Durant: $92.1 million
Roger Federer: $90.7 million
Canelo Alvarez: $90 million
Tom Brady: $83.9 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo: $80.9 million
