SPORTS

7 Highest Paid Athletes In The World Right Now

Published

11 months ago

February 20, 2024

7 Highest Paid Athletes In The World Right Now | Fab.ng

When it comes to professional sports, a select few superstars, such as the legendary footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi or the basketball phenomenon LeBron James, stand head and shoulders above the rest in terms of their financial earnings. These titans of their respective games consistently rank among the highest-paid athletes of 2023 in the world, their immense talent and marketability attracting lucrative contracts and sponsorships.

Through years of relentless dedication and tireless effort, these legendary individuals have meticulously honed their skills, transforming them into masters of their respective crafts. This dedication has not only yielded them immense acclaim and recognition but has also bestowed upon them a life of prosperity and abundance.

A recent report by Sportico has unveiled the staggering financial power of the world’s top athletes in 2023. The figures are truly jaw-dropping, with these stars earning not only astronomical salaries but also lucrative sponsorship deals. From football titans to basketball legends, golfing masters to NFL powerhouses, the list encompasses athletes across various disciplines. These are the top seven earners of the year 2023.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Undoubtedly one of the most recognisable figures in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys an exceptional salary at his current club, Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar made a much-publicized move to the Saudi Pro League team on December 31, 2022, and has since become the league’s highest-paid player, earning a staggering £175 million per year.

Ronaldo’s earning power also extends far beyond his club salary. He boasts lucrative sponsorship deals with leading global brands such as Nike, Tag Heuer, and Armani, contributing to his estimated total earnings of £218 million in 2023, solidifying his position as the highest-paid athlete in the world.

2. Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm

Spanish golfing sensation Jon Rahm enjoyed a truly remarkable 2023. Not only did the 29-year-old conquer the prestigious Masters tournament, but he also emerged as a European hero, leading his team to victory in the thrilling Ryder Cup against the United States. These triumphs on the course translated into a staggering financial windfall, as Rahm amassed a jaw-dropping £161 million, propelling him to the impressive second spot on Sportico’s list of the highest-paid athletes of 2023. His dazzling performance and impressive earnings solidified his position as one of the sport’s most dominant and celebrated figures.

3. Lionel Messi

Messi

Football legend Lionel Messi continues to break records, adding another Ballon d’Or to his already impressive collection in 2023. This prestigious award has now been bestowed upon Messi a staggering eight times, leaving his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, trailing by a remarkable three wins.

Messi’s career took a significant turn last year as he ventured beyond Europe, joining the MLS club Inter Miami. This move, however, hasn’t impacted his earning potential. In 2023, he amassed a staggering £52 million in wages, not just from his new team but also from his previous stint with PSG.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Messi’s star power extends to lucrative endorsement deals. This 2022 FIFA World Cup champion raked in a total of £103 million last year, solidifying his position as the third-highest earner in Sportico’s rankings. So, it seems the accolades and financial rewards just keep piling up for this phenomenal footballer.

4. LeBron James

LeBron James highest-paid athletes 2023

LeBron James, the iconic Los Angeles Lakers star, raked in over £99 million last year, solidifying his position as one of the world’s top-earning athletes. Nicknamed “King James” and seen by many as the face of the NBA, he earned a staggering £36 million in wages from his team alone. But James’s financial prowess extends far beyond the basketball court. Through lucrative endorsement deals, he amassed an off-court fortune that landed him in the prestigious top five of Sportico’s highest-paid athletes list.

5. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappé, the dazzling young star of Paris Saint-Germain, is widely touted as the potential successor to footballing legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, holding the prestigious fifth spot on a recent list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. This coveted French talent commands a hefty salary from his club, earning a staggering £80 million in wages last year alone. However, his financial prowess extends beyond his base salary, as lucrative sponsorship deals add another £19.2 million to his total earnings, bringing his annual income to a phenomenal £99.2 million. Remarkably, at just 25 years old, Mbappé stands as the youngest individual in the top five of this prestigious ranking, solidifying his position as a rising force in the world of football.

6. Neymar

After departing his former club Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. embarked on a new chapter in his career with Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Hilal. However, his season has been significantly impacted by a cruciate ligament injury, limiting his playing time. Despite this setback, the 32-year-old remains a global phenomenon, captivating fans and accumulating impressive financial rewards. In fact, even amidst his fitness challenges, Neymar managed to secure a staggering £96 million last year through a combination of salary and endorsement deals. His popularity continues to soar, and his financial success remains undeniable.

Renowned sharpshooter and Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry not only possesses an otherworldly talent for the game but also captivates audiences with his dazzling displays.

This NBA superstar, whose annual salary from the Warriors alone reaches a staggering £50 million, is truly a force to be reckoned with. In fact, he secured the prestigious title of one of the highest-paid athletes in 2023, raking in a remarkable £78.5 million that year, including endorsement deals. Notably, at 35 years old, Curry holds the record as the first NBA superstar to earn over $50 million per year solely in salary, solidifying his place as a basketball icon and a financial powerhouse.

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SPORTS

John McEnroe Says He Can Be The Commissioner Tennis Needs Amid Doping Crisis

Published

3 weeks ago

January 8, 2025

Reporter

John McEnroe says he can be commissioner tennis needs | fab.ng

Recent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’s reputation, but John McEnroe believes that appointing a single commissioner for the sport would significantly enhance the clarity and transparency surrounding doping cases.

Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March for trace amounts of the anabolic androgenic steroid clostebol, but an independent tribunal cleared him of any wrongdoing by accepting his explanation of unintentional contamination.

Women’s world number two Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban in November after testing positive for the hormone and metabolic modulator trimetazidine, which she attributed to contamination of her sleep medication.

The ITIA, responsible for managing tennis’s anti-doping program, stated that both cases involved “inadvertent breaches of the rules.”

“I don’t think it has done any damage because if you look, it’s way worse in the other sports,”McEnroe, a former world number one turned ESPN broadcaster, told reporters ahead of the Australian Open.

“In my opinion, tennis is cleaner than any other sport. Now that doesn’t mean there are not issues.”

John McEnroe emphasised that the confusion surrounding the timing of information release significantly exacerbates the situation.

The confusion is such as the delayed public disclosure of Sinner’s positive test at the Indian Wells tournament in March until just before the US Open in August.

“That part I really don’t like,”he said.

Rennae Stubbs, a former player, current coach, and ESPN commentator, stated that players undergo frequent testing.

She further emphasised that a commissioner could play a vital role in enhancing transparency when a positive test occurs, particularly when a player’s reputation is at stake.

“We need a commissioner of tennis that actually gets out there and speaks on behalf of players to defend or not defend them,” she said.

“The bottom line is we have no one talking for them.”

McEnroe revealed that he has long advocated for the appointment of a commissioner and expressed his readiness and willingness to assume this role.

“If I wasn’t the commissioner, there still should be a commissioner,” he said.

“It doesn’t look like it’s ever going to happen because people are too busy, these tournaments protect their own interests. They care about themselves, they don’t care enough about the sport.

“So it’s too bad. But nonetheless, if it’s not me, it should be someone else. We’ll see if it happens in the next 10 years.”

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Taiwo Awoniyi’s First Goal Of The Season Seals Nottingham Forest’s Win Over Wolves

Published

3 weeks ago

January 8, 2025

Reporter

Taiwo Awoniyi’s Goal Lifts Nottingham Forest Past Wolves | fab.ng

Taiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to Premier League action. He scored in stoppage time to help Nottingham Forest crush Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 on Monday evening.

The Super Eagles striker completed his dramatic comeback from injury, finding the net for the first time in the 2024/25 season, precisely 324 days after a devastating setback had forced him to watch from the sidelines.

Forest manager Steve Cooper introduced Awoniyi in the 88th minute, and the Nigerian international seized his opportunity with both hands.

Morgan Gibbs-White orchestrated the decisive moment, threading a precise pass through Wolves’ defensive line.

Awoniyi, demonstrating his predatory instincts, latched onto the ball and dispatched it into the net with clinical precision, sending the City Ground into rapturous celebration.

The emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed Taiwo Awoniyi as he sank to his knees after scoring.

He reached for his shin pads, which carried a deeply personal message – the Bible verse James 1:17.

The passage reads, “Every good and perfect gift is from above,” and pressed them against his face in a poignant display of gratitude and relief.

This victory carried significant implications for Nottingham Forest’s remarkable 2024/25 campaign. The team has now strung together an impressive sequence of six consecutive Premier League victories.

This cemented their position in third place on the table. Forest’s 40-point tally matches Arsenal’s in second position. Meanwhile, Liverpool maintains a six-point advantage at the summit with a game still in hand.

Awoniyi’s goal served as the perfect exclamation point on Forest’s commanding performance, underlining their transformation into genuine title contenders.

The striker’s emotional celebration resonated throughout the stadium. Furthermore, it marks not just a personal milestone in his recovery journey but also symbolises Forest’s remarkable ascent into English football’s top flight.

Don’t miss the inspiring photos of his celebration! Watch the goal video below.

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A post shared by Awoniyi Taiwo (@awoniyi18)

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A post shared by Nottingham Forest (@officialnffc)

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SPORTS

NBA Roundup: Giannis Triple-Double Leads Milwaukee Bucks To Win Over Toronto Raptors

Published

3 weeks ago

January 7, 2025

Reporter

NBA roundup: Giannis triple-double leads Milwaukee Bucks | fab.ng

Giannis Antetokounmpo (30) recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, contributing 11 points, 12 rebounds, and a season-high 13 assists.

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard (34) scored 25 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a decisive 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

Antetokounmpo’s exceptional passing, including 10 assists in the first half alone, ignited the Bucks’ offence and propelled them to victory, snapping a two-game losing streak.

The Bucks had recently faced a challenging period, losing four of their last five games, all against teams with losing records.

However, they convincingly overcame the struggling 8-28 Raptors, despite the absence of Khris Middleton due to an ankle injury.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers praised Antetokounmpo’s playmaking abilities, stating, “Giannis’ passing set the whole tone for our team.”

“When your best player does that, it becomes contagious and the ball just moved,” Rivers said.

Bloody good passing from Giannis.

13 AST | 12 REB | 11 PTS pic.twitter.com/6LGIFIIK6h

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 7, 2025

The only downside for the Bucks was a cut Antetokounmpo suffered on his right little finger when he hit the rim on a block attempt late in the first half.

Rivers said it required stitches to stop the bleeding, but Antetokounmpo wanted to stay in a game in which he and Lillard were both able to rest the entire fourth quarter anyway.

Zach LaVine led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 114-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Chicago, scoring 35 points while also contributing 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The Bulls staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the third quarter.

Coby White played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 23 points. He drove for a go-ahead layup and followed it up with a powerful dunk, giving the Bulls a 113-110 lead with 15.9 seconds remaining. LaVine then sealed the win with a free throw.

The Bulls successfully countered another impressive performance from San Antonio’s star rookie, Victor Wembanyama. He recorded 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and an astonishing eight blocked shots.

DRIVE HOME SAFELY. BULLS WIN. pic.twitter.com/KSEoyyzCVs

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2025

In Detroit, Cade Cunningham orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Pistons.

They scored 32 points and dished out nine assists as they overcame an early 22-point deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-115.

Tim Hardaway Jr. ignited the Pistons’ fourth-quarter surge, scoring 11 of his 26 points during the final period. He drained back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Pistons a 109-106 lead with less than three minutes remaining.

The Trail Blazers mounted a late challenge, twice narrowing the deficit to just one point. Anfernee Simons’ three-pointer with 12 seconds left brought the score to 117-115.

However, Malik Beasley sealed the Pistons’ fourth consecutive win by making one of two free throws and securing a crucial steal.

Sealed the dub the Detroit way 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kGkHkHX1o5

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 7, 2025

The Phoenix Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.

Coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to shake up the starting lineup by moving Bradley Beal to the bench proved successful. Beal ignited the Suns’ offence, scoring 25 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half.

The Suns trailed by as many as 12 points in the first quarter and entered halftime with a four-point deficit. However, their bench outscored the 76ers’ reserves by a significant margin, 54-7.

Good night, Suns fans! 😁 pic.twitter.com/U1TBskDLYf

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 7, 2025

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points and 10 assists. And Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry due to injuries.

In New York, the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic upset the struggling Knicks 103-94.

Cole Anthony led the Magic with 24 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring 19 points. The Magic remain without their top four scorers: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner.

Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 24 points for the Knicks. The Knicks suffered their third consecutive loss after a nine-game winning streak.

In Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. dominated. He scored 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks, missing key players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, dropped their fifth straight game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped their three-game losing streak with a thrilling 108-106 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Anthony Edwards fuelled the comeback, scoring 37 points for the Timberwolves.

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