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Forbes has dropped its annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
The list is compiled by adding the on-field and off-field earnings to give a total earnings report for the year. Over the past twelve months, the world’s ten highest-paid athletes combined for $992 million in pre-tax gross earnings, which is the third-highest total ever.
Topping the list was none other than soccer star Lionel Messi, who according to the live scores provider Flashscore.com scored a total of 11 goals in the 2021/2022 season for Paris SG, raked in a cool $130 million. Messi earned $75 million on the field during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain — which won him the 2021 Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best soccer player — while bringing in $55 million thanks to endorsements from companies like Adidas, Budweiser, and Pepsi.
Just behind Messi was Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who earned $121.2 million. LeBron’s number received a major boost from his off-court endeavors, which included Space Jam: A New Legacy and his popular talk show The Shop, according to Forbes. LeBron also sold a stake of his production company Spring Hill, which has a valuation of $725 million.
Other athletes in the top 10 include Cristiano Ronaldo, Roger Federer, Canelo Alvarez, and Tom Brady.
Who else cracked the top 10?
A full look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world for 2022 can be seen below, via Forbes’ annual list.
The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2022
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Total Earnings: $80.9 million
On-Field Earnings: $39.9 million
Off-Field Earnings: $41 million
9. Tom Brady
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Total Earnings: $83.9 million
On-Field Earnings: $31.9 million
Off-Field Earnings: $52 million
8. Canelo Alvarez
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Total Earnings: $90 million
On-Field Earnings: $85 million
Off-Field Earnings: $5 million
7. Roger Federer
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Total Earnings: $90.7 million
On-Field Earnings: $0.7 million
Off-Field Earnings: $90 million
6. Kevin Durant
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Total Earnings: $92.1 million
On-Field Earnings: $42.1 million
Off-Field Earnings: $50 million
5. Stephen Curry
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Total Earnings: $92.8 million
On-Field Earnings: $45.8 million
Off-Field Earnings: $47 million
4. Neymar
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Total Earnings: $95 million
On-Field Earnings: $70 million
Off-Field Earnings: $25 million
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
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Total Earnings: $115 million
On-Field Earnings: $60 million
Off-Field Earnings: $55 million
2. LeBron James
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Total Earnings: $121.2 million
On-Field Earnings: $41.2 million
Off-Field Earnings: $80 million
1. Lionel Messi
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Total Earnings: $130 million
On-Field Earnings: $75 million
Off-Field Earnings: $55 million
