Top 10 Highest-Earning Athletes in the World 2022: Messi Beats Ronaldo

Forbes has released its list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2022. Lionel Messi is listed as the world's highest-paid athlete this year.

The Argentinian soccer player is estimated to have a total annual income of US$130 million, equivalent to Rp1.9 trillion (US$1 = Rp14,644).

This income comprises US$75 million in salary from his on-field performance and US$55 million from off-field earnings.

Messi is known to have individual partnerships with several international brands, including Adidas, Budweiser, and Pepsi. His appointment as a Brand Ambassador for Hard Rock International has matched Cristiano Ronaldo's off-field income.

Next, basketball player LeBron James has a total income of US$121.2 million. The LA Lakers star reportedly earned US$121.2 million, comprising US$41.2 million in salary and US$80 million from off-field activities.

Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo ranks third among the highest-paid athletes, earning a total of US$115 million annually. This includes US$60 million in on-field salary and US$55 million from off-field sources.

Here is the list of the highest-paid athletes in 2022 according to Forbes:

1. Lionel Messi – US$130 million
2. LeBron James – US$121.2 million
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – US$115 million
4. Neymar – US$95 million
5. Stephen Curry – US$92.8 million
6. Kevin Durant – US$92.1 million
7. Roger Federer – US$90.7 million
8. Canelo Alvarez – US$90 million
9. Tom Brady – US$83.9 million
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo – US$80.9 million