This year, sports’ biggest stars hit the jackpot, taking home $1.1 billion. Astronomical earnings for professional athletes reached an all-time high this year, driven by lucrative contracts, thriving business opportunities and strategic investments. In this ranking, discover the 10 richest athletes of 2023, world icons who knew how to turn their success on the ground into real wealth.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
$136 million
sports income : 46 million dollars
non-sports income $90 million
nation : Portugal
sports : soccer
age : 38 years
The Portuguese soccer legend climbed to the top with an estimated earnings of $136 million, combining his fantastic deals with players and his multiple business partnerships.
Ronaldo He left Manchester United in November and joined Al Nassr FC In January, his estimated annual salary increased to $75 million and generate additional marketing opportunities in his new country. Rumors are circulating about a possible attempt to return to Europe this summer, but in the meantime this wage increase puts him at the top of the world rankings for the first time since 2017, and for the third time overall, with a historic record for a footballer with the total $136 million. Brands can’t resist Ronaldo and his huge fan base: 850 million followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, more than any other athlete in the world. Cryptocurrency exchange Binance is one of the latest sponsors to join Ronaldo’s stable, helping bring his total non-sports revenue to around $90 million over the past 12 months. Only three athletes in the history of the world rankings have won this number in one year: Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Conor McGregor.
