The World’s Top 10 Richest Athletes In 2024

Lionel Messi, the star of Inter Miami, is only 10th on the list of the world’s ten richest athletes.

According to numerous reports, Messi will make over $150 million (£117 million) at Inter over the course of the next two and a half years, making him the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who also earned a fortune during his tenure at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, is certainly one of the richest players in football history.

However, Messi isn’t even among the top five richest athletes—retired or active—when his net worth is compared with athletes in all sports.

Using data from Forbes, NewsTradeU has ranked the richest athletes globally, with former NBA great Michael Jordan at the top.

Jordan is by far the richest athlete in the world, with a net worth of $3 billion (£2.35 billion). His six titles with the Chicago Bulls throughout his basketball career served as the foundation for the explosive growth of the Air Jordan brand.

Ion Tiriac, a former tennis player, comes in second with a $2.1 billion (£1.65 billion) net worth. The Romanian made an easy transition from tennis star to business magnate, his conglomerate, the Tiriac Group, having achieved notable success in the real estate, automobile, and insurance sectors.

Olympic dressage rider Anna Kasprzak made $1.46 billion (£1.14 billion) in the financial industry. In addition to her successful dressage performances, she has made successful business endeavors and endorsement deals in the equestrian industry.

Magic Johnson, who has a net worth of almost $1.2 billion (£940 million), comes in at number four. Magic Johnson Enterprises helped him make a fortune in the business business after his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The fifth-place finalist, golf legend Tiger Woods, with a net worth of $1.1 billion (£860 million). Throughout his career, he has received rich endorsement deals from companies like Nike and Bridgestone to go along with his on-course achievements.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is in sixth place with a net worth of $1 billion (£780 million). The 18-time NBA All-Star has earned his income from his NBA wins and numerous investments.

Seventh place goes to Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, who earned $780 million (£611 million). Once more, his success on the track and a number of astute investments have contributed to his wealth.

As previously established, Lionel Messi has a net worth of $650 million (£509 million), placing him eighth on the list.

Completed the top ten with a net worth of $600 million (£470 million) are former Formula One great Eddie Jordan and former NBA player Junior Bridgeman.