Forbes unveiled its 2023 list of the highest-paid athletes in the world this week, revealing a star-studded ranking in which eight of the top 10 earners reached the nine-figure plateau.
LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo headline an elite group of eight superstar athletes who earned more than $100 million over the past 12 months, dating to May 1, 2022. The total of eight athletes in that category is twice as many as in any previous year.
Although the pros in the top eight carry an impressive distinction, the final two names on this year’s top-10 list are far from poverty. Tennis great Roger Federer and his $95.1 million income ranked ninth, while Suns superstar Kevin Durant came in at No. 8 with $89.1 million.
With the ’23 list set in stone, here’s a look at the eight athletes who earned at least $100 million over the past 12 months:
8. Stephen Curry
For the first time in his 14-year career, Curry reached the nine-figure mark, earning $48.4 million on the floor and $52 million through other ventures for a total of $100.4 million. The four-time NBA champion currently is seeking another championship ring in his age-35 season, as he leads the Warriors against the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.
7. Phil Mickelson
Thanks to a massive payday from LIV Golf, Mickelson raked in $102 of his $106 million earnings while competing in the organization. The six-time major champion has, like many of his fellow LIV counterparts, faced criticism and controversy since signing with the Saudi-backed league, but all signs point to the 52-year-old staying with the circuit for the foreseeable future.
6. Dustin Johnson
Similar to Mickelson, Johnson also benefited mightily from LIV Golf’s deep pockets, earning $102 of his $107 million on the course. The 38-year-old also has endured his share of criticism since joining LIV, but he remains one of the organization’s biggest names in its second year of existence.
5. Canelo Alvarez
The reigning super middleweight champion made the list after tallying $110 million, with $100M coming by way of his strong box office earnings. Alvarez suffered a high-profile, unanimous decision loss to Dmitry Bivol last May before rebounding with a huge unanimous decision win over Gennady Golovkin in a dream match in September.
4. LeBron James
As the NBA’s only active billionaire, James accumulated $119.5 million this past year, with his Lakers earnings accounting for only $44.5 million of that total. In a season when he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the 38-year-old James is looking to lead L.A. past Golden State in the postseason as he seeks title No. 5.
3. Kylian Mbappé
The 24-year-old French soccer sensation enjoyed arguably the most successful year of his career by raking in $100 million of his $120 million on the pitch. Mbappé’s inclusion on the list comes nearly five months after he led France to the World Cup final and earned the Golden Boot and Silver Ball in Qatar.
2. Lionel Messi
Messi made the most of his final season with Paris Saint-Germain by earning a total of $130 million. With the 35-year-old superstar set to become available by free transfer, Messi, who captained Argentina’s incredible run to its third World Cup title, could finish atop this list next year. He’s reported to be in talks for a possible $400 million salary with the Saudi Arabian league.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
A historic 2023 boosted Ronaldo to the top of the list after the Portuguese superstar earned $136 million, the most ever for a soccer player. Approximately $75 million of Ronaldo’s incredible lump sum came his way after he spurned Manchester United to sign with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in December, with the 37-year-old netting the other $90 million off the field.
