In its latest estimate, released Thursday, Forbes places Messi in the first place of the ten highest paid athletes of the last 12 monthsall of them men, with the Mexican Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez in the first place of the boxers.
The earnings of Messi, who already led the ranking in 2019, reached 130 million dollars before taxes, as estimated. Messi reached this figure despite the fact that his salary was reduced to 75 million dollars at PSG, some 22 million less than his previous contract with FC Barcelona.
However, the increase in his income from sponsorships to 55 million allowed him to equal the annual earnings record for a footballer, which Messi himself achieved last year when he was second on the list after McGregor.
The second position of the current ranking is occupied by LeBron Jamesthe superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA, with 121.2 million dollars, and the third the Portuguese Cristiano RonaldoManchester United striker, with 115 million.
Despite his disappointing campaign with the Lakers, “King James” broke the previous earnings record for an NBA player that he himself had set last year with 96.5 million. His off-the-court income ($80 million) nearly doubled his salary with the Lakers ($41.2).
The Top 5 of the list is completed by the Brazilian Neymar (PSG), with 95 million dollarsand American basketball player Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) with 92.8 million.
Sixth appears the American Kevin Durant (92.1 million dollars), star of the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, and behind the veteran Swiss tennis player Roger Federer with 90.7 million, of which only 0.7 million come from his results on the court, reduced in the last few years due to numerous injuries.
the mexican boxer Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez is in eighth place with 90 million dollarsof which 85 million were entered for his victories in the ring.
The ranking is completed by Tom Brady (83.9 million)leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NFL star, and the Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo (80.9), champion last year in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks.
On the whole, these ten athletes pocketed 992 million dollars in the last 12 monthsthe third-highest figure since Forbes estimates began, after 1.06 billion in 2018 and 1.050 in 2021.