Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably two of the most popular footballers in the world, who are playing their last FIFA World Cup this year, are also among the highest-paid athletes.
Messi is in second place with earnings of $122 million, followed by Ronaldo in third place with annual earnings of $115 million in Sportico. 100 highest paid athletes in the world in 2022 list. This includes his match salary as well as endorsement income. Brazilian footballer Neymar is at the fourth position with earnings of $103 million.
Basketball icon LeBron James, meanwhile, emerged as the highest-paid athlete in the world, with an annual income of $126.9 million. A large portion of this has come from endorsement and royalty-based deals with brand partners including Nike, PepsiCo, Walmart, AT&T and even Crypto.com.
“The top 100 highest-paid athletes in the world include players from 10 sports and 24 countries. They earned $4.46 billion in total income, including $3.24 billion in salary and prize money, as well as endorsements, licensing , including $1.23 billion from memorabilia and appearances on the field or off the court.
Interestingly, Team India’s Virat Kohli was the only cricketer to feature in the top 100. He was ranked 61st with earnings of $33.9 million, of which a lion’s share ($31 million) came from endorsements. Only on the basis of endorsement earnings, Kohli is ranked 14th in the world.
The highest-paid female athlete in 2022 was tennis sensation Naomi Osaka, ranked 20th with annual earnings of $53.2 million. Serena Williams, who retired this year, was the second highest-paid female athlete, ranking 52nd, with earnings of $35.3 million.
Tennis legend Roger Federer, who also hung up his boots this year, was the 8th highest-paid athlete with earnings of $85.7 million. Meanwhile, Federer bagged the second biggest endorsement kitty of the year, trailing only LeBron James.
In fact, the NBA dominates Sportico’s 2022 list with more than 36 players in the top 100.
Read also: FIFA World Cup: Saudi Arabia declares public holiday on Wednesday after Argentina’s victory
Read also: FIFA World Cup: Mexican boxer Canelo threatens Lionel Messi over dressing room celebration video
