The world of sports has always been associated with fame, skill, and incredible earnings. The list of highest paid athletes in 2026 highlights the massive money top sports stars make both on and off the field. This ranking considers salaries, winnings, and endorsement deals. Football, basketball, boxing, golf, and baseball feature heavily in the list. Some athletes earn more from endorsements than their actual sports contracts. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 highest paid athletes in 2026.
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List of 10 Highest Paid Athletes in 2026
10. Jon Rahm – Total Earnings: $100.7 Million
Jon Rahm, the Spanish golf superstar, is one of the most financially successful golfers in the world despite being ranked 89th globally. Rahm earns $84.7 million annually from his LIV Golf salary, which includes tournament winnings and performance bonuses. His endorsements, including deals with Callaway, Rolex, and other global brands, bring in another $16 million. In total, Rahm earns $100.7 million, placing him among the highest paid athletes in 2026. Beyond the money, Rahm has already secured his legacy with 11 PGA Tour wins and 10 European Tour titles. His consistency, unique playing style, and popularity among fans make him a sought-after athlete for sponsorships, demonstrating how golf stars can achieve extraordinary financial success.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $84.7M |
| Endorsements | $16M |
| Total Earnings | $100.7M |
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9. Kevin Durant – Total Earnings: $100.8 Million
Kevin Durant, currently with the Houston Rockets, is one of basketball’s most dominant scorers and a key figure in global sports business. The 37-year-old earns $50.8 million in NBA salary and an almost equal amount, $50 million, from endorsements with brands like Nike, Google, and Gatorade. Durant made history in 2025 by being part of a record seven-team trade and is a two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP. His total earnings of $100.8 million make him one of the highest paid athletes in 2026. Off the court, Durant invests in tech startups, media companies, and charity initiatives, which enhance his influence and earnings. His combination of athletic performance, business ventures, and global fame ensures he remains a top-earning athlete.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $50.8M |
| Endorsements | $50M |
| Total Earnings | $100.8M |
8. Shohei Ohtani – Total Earnings: $102.5 Million
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball phenom, excels as both a pitcher and hitter for the LA Dodgers. His unique contract gives him a $2 million salary annually, deferring much of it to later years. Endorsements, however, bring in $100 million, pushing his total earnings to $102.5 million. Ohtani’s dual-role ability and financial rewards make him one of the highest paid athletes in 2026.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $2M |
| Endorsements | $100M |
| Total Earnings | $102.5M |
7. Steph Curry – Total Earnings: $105.4 Million
Golden State Warriors’ point guard Steph Curry is a four-time NBA MVP and widely considered the greatest shooter of all time. At 37, he earns $55.4 million in salary and nearly $50 million from endorsements, including deals with Under Armour and sports drinks. Curry’s total earnings of $105.4 million make him one of the highest paid athletes in 2026, combining skill, popularity, and business ventures.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $55.4M |
| Endorsements | $50M |
| Total Earnings | $105.4M |
6. Karim Benzema – Total Earnings: $115 Million
Karim Benzema, now in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, earns an astonishing $110 million from his contract alone. The 38-year-old French legend adds $5 million from endorsements. Benzema has won 25 major trophies, including five Champions League titles. Even late in his career, he remains among the highest paid athletes in 2026, showing that elite footballers can achieve huge earnings globally.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $110M |
| Endorsements | $5M |
| Total Earnings | $115M |
5. LeBron James – Total Earnings: $128.7 Million
LeBron James, one of basketball’s greatest players, is not just a sports icon but a business powerhouse. At 41, LeBron earns $48.7 million in salary and $80 million through endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, and Blaze Pizza. He also has investments in media, entertainment, and a stake in Liverpool FC. These combined ventures contribute to his total earnings of $128.7 million, making him one of the highest paid athletes in 2026. LeBron continues to perform at an elite level while also focusing on philanthropy through his LeBron James Family Foundation. His ability to balance sports, business, and social influence demonstrates how modern athletes achieve unparalleled financial and cultural impact.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $48.7M |
| Endorsements | $80M |
| Total Earnings | $128.7M |
4. Juan Soto – Total Earnings: $129.2 Million
Juan Soto, the New York Mets’ baseball star, has established himself as one of the most valuable players in Major League Baseball. Soto’s $122 million salary, combined with $7 million from endorsements, brings his total earnings to $129.2 million, making him one of the highest paid athletes in 2026. In 2025, he joined the exclusive 30-30 club with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season. Beyond the field, Soto’s growing brand presence includes partnerships with major sports and lifestyle companies, increasing his marketability and income. Soto represents the next generation of baseball stars who excel in performance and financial acumen.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $122M |
| Endorsements | $7M |
| Total Earnings | $129.2M |
3. Lionel Messi – Total Earnings: $130 Million
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, continues to impress fans and sponsors alike. His Inter Miami contract earns him $60 million annually, and endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and luxury brands add $70 million. This brings his total earnings to $130 million, placing him among the highest paid athletes in 2026. At 38, Messi remains an active scorer and continues to influence matches worldwide. Beyond football, Messi invests in tech startups, fashion, and charitable foundations, extending his earnings and legacy. His combination of talent, global fame, and off-field ventures demonstrates why he remains a top-earning athlete globally.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $60M |
| Endorsements | $70M |
| Total Earnings | $130M |
2. Canelo Alvarez – Total Earnings: $137 Million
Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez remains one of the sport’s top earners, even after losing his undisputed super middleweight title in 2025. Alvarez’s $77 million salary, coupled with $60 million from endorsements, fight earnings, and special appearance fees, totals $137 million, ranking him among the highest paid athletes in 2026. Canelo has signed lucrative deals with international promoters and sponsors, ensuring continuous financial growth. Beyond the ring, he invests in businesses and philanthropic initiatives, expanding his influence globally. Alvarez’s combination of skill, marketing appeal, and strategic deals makes him a top financial performer in combat sports.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $77M |
| Endorsements | $60M |
| Total Earnings | $137M |
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Total Earnings: $260 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, is the world’s top-earning athlete. His $200 million salary is supplemented by $60 million in endorsements, investments, and social media ventures. With a YouTube channel boasting 78 million subscribers, Ronaldo monetizes his global fan base effectively. At 40, he continues to perform at the highest level, combining talent, fame, and business acumen. His total earnings of $260 million make him the undisputed leader among the highest paid athletes in 2026. Ronaldo’s legacy spans football, business, and digital influence, showcasing how elite athletes can maximize financial potential even in the later stages of their careers.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
| Salary | $200M |
| Endorsements | $60M |
| Total Earnings | $260M |
FAQs
Q1: Who is the highest paid athlete in 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with total earnings of $260 million.
Q2: How much does Lionel Messi earn annually?
Messi earns $60 million from his contract and $70 million from endorsements, totaling $130 million.
Q3: Which NBA player is among the highest-paid athletes in 2026?
LeBron James and Steph Curry are top NBA earners, with $128.7M and $105.4M respectively.
Q4: Who is the top-paid boxer in 2026?
Canelo Alvarez is the top boxer, earning $137 million through fights and endorsements.