Lionel Messi topped Forbes’ annual list of the highest paid athletes as the Paris Saint-Germain player overtook US basketball player LeBron James and Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi earned $130 million, including $55 million in bonuses, for the 12-month period ending May 1, 2022, topping the list after finishing second behind Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor in 2021.
James of the Los Angeles Lakers finished second with $121 million, beating his previous record for an NBA player of $96.5 million, while Portugal captain Ronaldo’s net worth was $115 million. dollars.
Neymar of the Brazil national team finished in fourth place ($95 million), losing his NBA spot to Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry ($92.8 million).
The Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant earned $92 million to finish sixth ahead of Swiss tennis player Roger Federer who earned $90.7 million despite playing just five tournaments in 2021 before his season ended due to knee surgery.
Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez finished eighth with $90 million, behind American football player Tom Brady ($83.9 million) and Greek Giannis Antetokoumba of the Milwaukee Bucks ($80.9 million).
Forbes said athlete contract income includes all prize money, salaries and bonuses received over a 12-month period, while off-court income is an estimate of sponsorship deals, performance fees and licensing income.
