Sports Regiment

10 highest-paid athletes in 2023 after Neymar’s Saudi move

The sporting world took an unexpected turn this year, as athletes flocked from European fields to Middle Eastern sand, allured by those irresistible fat paychecks and juicy upfront promises. The catalysts behind this migration were none other than the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and Al Nassr, who weren’t afraid to splash the cash on golf and soccer talents that had the world talking. With this shake-up, the 2023 list of the richest athletes got a complete makeover.

According to Forbes, the cream of the crop in the athlete earnings department pulled in an eye-popping $1.11 billion over the last year. That’s before taxes and agents’ cuts, mind you. This marked an impressive 12% increase from the previous year’s $990 million haul and a 5% leap from the 2018 record of $1.06 billion. Now, let’s break that down: these stars earned a mind-blowing $2.36 billion from their on-field performances, like wages, bonuses, and winnings. 

That’s an all-time high, beating out 2022’s total of $1.91 billion, all thanks to the Middle Eastern investment boom. And don’t forget the off-field action, which saw $1.08 billion roll in from endorsements, appearances, business ventures, and more. A fresh record indeed, just edging past 2022’s $1.06 billion off-field figure.

But the jaw-dropping newsflash came with Neymar’s sudden shift from Paris Saint-Germain to Al Hilal. The bombshell dropped on August 15, 2023, and fans were left with dropped jaws. The Brazilian superstar managed to ink a deal worth a stunning €80 million ($88 million) annually, which promptly catapulted him to the second spot on the world’s highest-paid athlete list.

 Neymar boasting a jaw-dropping $134 million in total earnings. While Neymar’s stint at PSG saw impressive performances, his time there was marred by a slew of injuries, and he couldn’t bring home that coveted Champions League trophy.

In the first spot Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese soccer icon, is now part of Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr team, amassing an impressive estimated sum of $136 million in total earnings. Securing the first position in the earnings ranking for 2023, he has now claimed this title for the third time overall, marking his first since 2017.

Landing the third spot Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer icon from Argentina, made a recent transition to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain. Messi’s earnings are estimated to reach $130 million. While he held the highest earning spot last year, he slipped to second place this year due to a club suspension following a promotional visit to Saudi Arabia. His position further dropped due to Neymar’s remarkable move to Al Hilal, bringing with it an astonishing salary.

In the fourth spot was none other than Kylian Mbappé, who stood his ground at PSG despite his star teammates’ departures. He didn’t just stay; he secured a handsome five-year contract netting him €50 million ($55 million) each year. And that’s not all; endorsements from Nike Hublot, EA Sports, and more boosted his off-field income, bringing his grand total to a cool $120 million. 

Mbappé’s prowess on the field is undeniable, with a collection of four Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, and that memorable 2018 World Cup victory with the French national team. All eyes are now on him as he’s expected to lead France’s charge at Euro 2024.

In fifth place, we’ve got LeBron James, smashing through the $100 million threshold for the first time with a formidable $121.2 million. The NBA superstar inked a two-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, promising him $85 million up to the 2022-23 season. But that’s not all, endorsements and a host of business ventures, including SpringHill Entertainment, Uninterrupted, and his stake in Liverpool FC, bolstered his earnings. 

LeBron’s 2020 NBA championship win marked the Lakers’ 17th title, and he snagged his fourth Finals MVP award in the process. A trailblazer on the court, he was also the first NBA player to achieve the trifecta of 35,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, and 9,000 assists.

Canelo Álvarez comfortably clinched the sixth spot, hauling in a cool $110 million. The Mexican boxing sensation inked a mouth-watering deal with DAZN and pocketed a generous upfront guarantee from LIV Boxing, a Saudi-backed promoter making waves in the Middle East.

 Álvarez’s reputation in the ring is impeccable, with four world titles across different weight classes, a remarkable record of 57 wins, one loss, and two draws, including 39 knockouts. But it’s not just about his sporting prowess; Álvarez’s philanthropic efforts shine through, as he has donated millions to causes in Mexico and worldwide.

Dustin Johnson made quite an entrance, securing the seventh spot with $107 million. The American golf champ was quick to join LIV Golf, the new Saudi-backed tour that aimed to challenge the dominance of the PGA Tour. He snagged an impressive upfront guarantee from LIV Golf, coupled with a share of prize money and appearance fees. On top of that, endorsements and other income sources added another layer to his earnings. As the current number one ranked golfer globally, Johnson boasts an impressive 25 PGA Tour titles, including two major championships: the 2016 U.S. Open and the 2020 Masters.

Phil Mickelson found himself in eighth place, joining the LIV Golf wagon and cashing in a hefty $106 million. This seasoned golf veteran also secured a substantial upfront guarantee from LIV Golf, alongside a cut of prize money and appearance fees. Add in his earnings from endorsements and other income streams, and you’ve got a significant payday. With 45 PGA Tour victories to his name, including six majors, Mickelson’s impact on the golfing world is undeniable. His charitable side is also noteworthy, with generous donations to various causes.

Taking the Ninth spot is none other than Stephen Curry, who proudly raked in $100.4 million. The NBA sensation cemented his place in the Golden State Warriors, locking in a four-year extension that would see him bag a staggering $215 million by the end of the 2025-26 season.

 As one of the NBA’s brightest stars, Curry also earned hefty endorsements and dabbled in business ventures, including Unanimous Media, Eleventh Hour, and a stake in Under Armour. A true powerhouse on the court, he boasts three championships, two MVP awards, and a reputation as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Rounding of the top 10 is the tennis icon Roger Federer collected a cool $90 million. The tennis ace’s ten-year deal with Uniqlo led him to pocket a jaw-dropping $300 million through 2028, securing his spot among the highest-paid endorsers in sports history. Adding to his earnings were sponsorships, business ventures, and his contributions to various causes through his foundation. Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles, six ATP Finals titles, and an Olympic gold medal make him a true legend on the tennis court. 

And there you have it—the rundown of the top 10 highest-paid athletes of 2023. This lineup is a true melting pot, featuring athletes from eight different sports and hailing from 15 different countries. Their collective earnings of $1.11 billion are a testament not just to their exceptional athletic prowess, but also to their enduring impact off the field. These athletes are not just making headlines with their performances, but also using their influence to make a positive difference in various spheres.