Messi returns to the world’s richest man in sports

Recently, the list of the world’s richest people in sports has been released. In Forbes’ list of athletes’ earnings in the past year, Messi returned to the top of the list with $130 million, which is his second return to the top spot since his top in 2019.

Basketball superstar James came in second with $121 million, with Ronaldo in third with a total income of $115 million.

Among the top ten earners, seven come from football and basketball, and the rest come from tennis, boxing and rugby. Federer, Alvarez and Tom Brady are in the top ten.

It is reported that this list counts the total income of athletes from May and 1, 2021 to May 1, 2022. The statistical items include salary, bonuses, sponsorship fees, licensing fees, and cash income from operating companies.

In the past 12 months, Messi’s transfer from La Liga Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain has further expanded his influence and his endorsement income has risen.

In addition to Paris Saint-Germain’s high salary, Messi earned a whopping $55 million off the field, the same as in 2019.

Basketball superstar James is firmly in second place, with off-court earnings of $80 million.

James has starred in shows such as “Slam Dunk: The New Legend” and The Talk Show. In addition, in October last year, James transferred the equity of the production company and made a lot of money, setting a new income record created by himself the year before.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked third, with a salary of up to 60 million US dollars. Through the transfer to Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence expanded again, and his off-field income was the same as Messi’s, reaching 55 million US dollars.

If he chooses to stay at Manchester United next season, Ronaldo’s salary income will drop, which will affect his year-end wealth ranking.

The fourth to sixth places on the list are Neymar (football), Curry (basketball), and Durant (basketball).

As in previous years, the top richest people in the world’s sports come from two sports, football and basketball, and the income of top stars far exceeds that of other sports.

In addition, Federer (tennis), Alvarez (boxing), Tom – Brady (rugby) ranked seventh to ninth.

source:Thoughtful Shanghai author:Xu Ming