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.
Beyond his astronomical salary, Ronaldo’s presence has served as a significant boost for Saudi Arabian football, contributing to the league’s recent exponential growth in global popularity.
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
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
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, 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.
7. Stephen Curry
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.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen earned a bonus for his performance on Monday night! He scored a goal against his Nigerian teammate, Maduka Okoye, who plays as a goalkeeper for Udinese.
This goal triggered a clause in Osimhen’s contract with Napoli, resulting in a €125,000 (around ₦186 million) bonus. Even though Napoli only tied the game 1-1, Osimhen’s goal was financially rewarding.
After playing against Maduka Okoye, Osimhen receives €125,000.
Victor Osimhen, the powerful striker for Napoli, had a night of mixed emotions. On one hand, his team only managed a 1-1 draw against Udinese. On the other hand, Osimhen himself had a very successful performance.
The highlight of his night was a fantastic headed goal against Udinese’s goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who also hails from Nigeria. This goal wasn’t just strategically important, but it also held financial significance for Osimhen.
News outlets had previously reported that Osimhen’s contract included a bonus clause tied to reaching several league goals for the season. His strike against Udinese brought his total to 15, triggering the clause and earning him a cool €125,000. So, while Napoli may not have taken home the win, Osimhen certainly had something to celebrate.
Osimhen’s performance stats with Napoli this year
Victor Osimhen is having a strong season for Napoli, even though he hasn’t quite matched his incredible performance from last year. This season, he has scored 15 goals in 23 games. That’s a very respectable goal-scoring record, but it falls short of the 26 goals he scored last season, which helped Napoli win the title.
There’s a reason why Osimhen’s goal total is a bit lower this season: he missed some important games due to injury and his commitment to playing for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite missing these games, Osimhen is still on pace for his second-best season in Naples! With more games to play this season, he could still reach or even surpass his goal total from last year.
Sha’Carri Richardson, an American track and field athlete, is renowned for her exceptional speed and charismatic personality. She specialises in the 100- and 200-metre events and initially gained widespread attention in 2019.
Both triumphs and challenges have marked Richardson’s journey to becoming one of the fastest women in history. Despite facing adversity, including the loss of her mother, struggles with substance abuse, and a temporary ban from competition, she has consistently persevered and overcome obstacles.
In 2023, Richardson achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a world champion, solidifying her status as a resilient and inspiring figure in the world of athletics.
Sha’carri Richardson’s age
Sha’Carri Richardson’s birthday is on March 25, 2000. This means that she was 24 years old when this was written. Even though she is a young runner, Sha’Carri Richardson has already accomplished amazing things in track and field. She has broken records and become one of the fastest women in history.
Sha’carri Richardson’s height
Sha’Carri Richardson is an amazing track star, but she’s on the shorter side for sprinters. She’s only 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Even though she isn’t tall, she makes up for it in other ways. Sha’Carri has incredible strength and runs with perfect form.
Her lower height gives her a centre of gravity closer to the ground. This helps her launch out of the starting blocks quickly and lets her develop a unique running style that has made her a champion.
Sha’carri Richardson’s mother
Reports indicate that Sha’Carri Richardson’s mother, Shayaria Richardson, was herself a track and field athlete, though she and Richardson’s father were not significantly involved in their daughter’s life.
Consequently, Richardson was primarily raised by her grandmother, Betty Harp, and her aunt. Despite her mother’s absence, the 24-year-old athlete has expressed gratitude for bringing her into the world. However, tragedy struck in 2021 when Richardson’s mother passed away.
This event had a significant impact on her career, as she was disqualified from the Olympics for failing a drug test, and testing positive for marijuana shortly after winning the women’s 100m U.S. Olympic Trials.
In an interview, Richardson disclosed that she turned to the banned substance as a means of coping with her mother’s death, which occurred just a week before the Olympic trials.
Where is Sha’carri Richardson from?
Sha’Carri Richardson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. It’s where she first started running at the young age of nine. She did so well in middle and high school that she became a famous sprinter all over the country.
Even though she now travels to compete, Dallas is still her hometown and where her love for running began. She went to college at Louisiana State University for a year but then decided to run professionally in 2019.
How fast can Sha’carri Richardson run?
Sha’Carri Richardson is renowned for her remarkable speed, achieving a personal best legal time of 10.65 seconds in the 100 metres. She achieved this impressive feat when she won the 100m title at the 2023 World Championships held in Budapest.
What is Sha’carri Richardson’s fastest time?
Sha’Carri Richardson unofficially recorded an even faster time of 10.57 seconds at the 2023 Miramar Invitational. This impressive achievement was aided by a strong tailwind, highlighting Richardson’s immense potential and exceptional talent.
Who is Sha’carri Richardson’s coach?
Sha’Carri Richardson is under the coaching guidance of Dennis Mitchell, who himself is a former Olympic medalist. Mitchell’s expertise has played a crucial role in propelling Richardson’s career to new heights, resulting in numerous remarkable achievements.
Mitchell’s extensive experience in track and field is a valuable asset to Richardson’s training regimen. During his active years as an athlete, Mitchell had an illustrious career, clinching gold in the 4x100m relay at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Additionally, he earned a bronze and a silver medal in the 100m and 4x100m relay events, respectively. Mitchell, who also coaches Noah Lyles, received the prestigious Coach of the Year award in 2023.
This accolade was bestowed upon him following the outstanding performances of both Richardson and Lyles at the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, where they secured several medals.
As of the current time, Sha’Carri Richardson is not married. According to multiple sources, the American athlete is currently single and not in a relationship. However, in the past, Richardson was in a relationship with a female Jamaican athlete, Janeek Brown for two years before they parted ways in February 2022.
Sha’carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson
Sha’Carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson have forged an engaging rivalry in track and field. Both athletes are highly accomplished sprinters, consistently pushing each other to excel. In 2023, their fierce competitions were the focal points of attention.
Richardson showcased her dominance in the 100m event, securing the World Championship title. Meanwhile, Jackson exhibited her prowess in the 200m, setting the second-fastest time in history.
Fans eagerly anticipate their anticipated clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they are expected to compete in both the 100m and 200m races.
Sha’carri Richardson Olympics
Sha’Carri Richardson has yet to compete in an Olympic event in her career. She qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics by winning the women’s 100-metre race at the United States Olympic Trials.
Unfortunately, her victory was nullified after she tested positive for cannabis use following the trials, rendering her ineligible to compete. Despite this setback, Richardson rebounded in 2023, enjoying a remarkable year.
As she looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Richardson is now considered the favourite to make her Olympic debut, determined to make the most of this opportunity after her previous disappointment.
Sha’carri Richardson Instagram
Sha’Carri Richardson maintains a significant following on Instagram, where her handle is @itsshacarri, boasting over 3 million followers.
On her Instagram profile, Richardson frequently showcases her fashion sense, collaborates with various brands, and shares updates about her life events with her audience.
Sha’carri Richardson and Nike
In 2023, Sha’Carri Richardson, the world champion, signed a lucrative five-year contract with Nike, valued at $20 million. This deal was secured following her remarkable success on the global stage, although she had been endorsed by the brand since 2019.
Alongside her partnership with Nike, Richardson has additional endorsement deals with Apple Music, Beats, and Sprite.
The estimated net worth of the American sprinter falls within the range of $1 million to $5 million. The bulk of her wealth stems from her earnings as a track and field athlete, along with lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Beats, and Apple Music.
Bayern Munich faces a tough challenge in the upcoming Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid. Head coach Thomas Tuchel is determined to snap a negative trend against their Spanish rivals.
Losing Streak
Bayern Munich has been struggling against Real Madrid in recent years. They haven’t secured a win in their last seven encounters, with a staggering four of those losses happening on their home turf, the Allianz Arena. This dismal record adds pressure to the upcoming match.
Tuchel’s Optimism
Despite the daunting statistics, Tuchel maintains a positive outlook. He believes his team has the capability to overcome Real Madrid and secure a crucial victory in the first leg. This confidence is likely fueled by Bayern’s current good form, having won four consecutive games in all competitions.
Real Madrid’s Dominance
However, Real Madrid shouldn’t be underestimated. They’ve established themselves as Bayern’s nemesis in recent Champions League clashes. Their dominance is evident in the six wins they’ve achieved during this seven-game stretch.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Can Bayern Munich break the losing streak and gain the upper hand, or will Real Madrid continue their winning ways?
“We want to play the game in isolation, without any background thoughts. That’s important to ensure we have the freedom to play a top game,” said the Bayern boss. “We’ll try our all to win the game. Then we’ll know how things stand for the second leg.
“The job against Real is about getting enough people in attack to hurt them, but also not to expose ourselves. We need a good balance of discipline and freedom. Obviously, we also need some luck in the game, momentum.”
That’s important information to add to the context of the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid matchup! The first leg on April 30th at Allianz Arena will set the tone for the return match at Santiago Bernabeu on May 8th. Knowing both dates gives fans a clearer picture of the overall schedule and how each team might approach the first leg strategically.