The Highest Earning Athletes 2023

A couple weeks ago, Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, agreed to a 5-year, $260 million contract, with $185 million guaranteed. His new contract makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. But where does Lamar rank across all sports? Let's dig in and find out! 

The Highest Paid Athletes 2023 (According to Forbes)

1. Cristiano Ronaldo: $136 million

On the field: $46 million, Off the field: $90 million

2. Lionel Messi: $130 million

On the field: $65 million, Off the field: $65 million

3.Kylian Mbappé: $120 million

On the field: $100 million, Off the field: $20 million

4. LeBron James: $119.5 million

On the court: $44.5 million, Off the court: $75 million

5. Canelo Alvarez: $110 million

In the ring: $100 million, Outside the ring: $10 million

6. Dustin Johnson: $107 million

On the course: $102 million, Off the course: $5 million

7. Phil Mickelson: $106 million

On the course: $104 million, Off the course: $2 million

8. Steph Curry: $100.4 million

On the court: $48.4 million, Off the court: $52 million

9. Roger Federer: $95.1 million

On the court: $0.1 million, Off the court: $95 million

10. Kevin Durant: $89.1 million

On the court: $44.1 million, Off the court: $45 million

Final Thoughts

These figures are from May 1, 2022 to May 1, 2023. So, while Lamar Jackson just got paid, his previous salary was no where near the guys on this list. 

Notice several players on this list that are older (including Roger Federer, who retired in 2022). They have continued to leverage their popularity and celebrity status into monster endorsement deals. 

It's also hard to ignore the impact of LIV golf. If Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson could command even decent endorsement money, they'd be much higher on this list. 

Have any of these athletes appeared in our Best Sports Books of All Time List? Click here to find out! 

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