Famous footballers and golfers cashing in on Saudi millions, NBA icons who combine on-court skill with business acumen, and a tennis GOAT... Sport's top-earning athletes in 2023
- The 2023 Forbes highest-paid athletes list reflected increasing Saudi influence
- Best-earning sports stars continue to get wealthier on and off the pitch
- Collectively, they top 10 alone coined in a record £860million before tax
Another sporting year has drawn to a close and 2024 promises to be even more memorable with the Paris Olympics and football's European Championship among many highlights.
The world's top athletes, meanwhile, simply continue to get richer and richer, coining in tens of millions both on and off the pitch, court, ring or course.
This was the year in which the influx of Saudi Arabian billions into football and golf really started to be noticed.
The Forbes highest-paid athletes list for 2023 certainly reflected this. With Saudi cash poured on top of rapidly-increasing league media rights and ever-more-lucrative commercial opportunities, they calculated the world's top 10 saw their income rise 12 per cent from 2022's list.
Collectively, they earned an estimated $1.11billion [about £860m] before tax and agents' fees in the past 12 months - more than ever before.
But who was sport's highest earner in 2023? We count down the top 10 here.
![Cristiano Ronaldo has turbo-charged his earnings since moving to the Saudi Pro League](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79405659-12907281-Cristiano_Ronaldo_has_turbo_charged_his_earnings_since_moving_to-a-3_1704041061158.jpg)
Cristiano Ronaldo has turbo-charged his earnings since moving to the Saudi Pro League
10. KEVIN DURANT
Nationality: American; Sport (team): Basketball (Phoenix Suns); Age: 35
Estimated income: $89.1million [£69.8m]
A year of change for the NBA legend, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns back in February.
Since then, Durant has continued to tick off the milestones, surpassing 27,000 career points, reaching No 10 on the all-time career scoring list and achieving an 18th career triple-double.
One thing that doesn't change is Durant's earning power with his off-field income now outstripping his salary thanks to a growing portfolio of endorsements and investments.
His 35V investment firm has fingers in all manner of sporting pies, including the Premier Lacrosse League, Major League Pickleball and Tiger Woods' TMRW Sports, which is trying to launch a virtual golf league.
Durant never has to worry about sneakers either thanks to his lifetime contract with Nike. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the only other two NBA players to have one.
![NBA star Kevin Durant, 35, has seen his off-court investment outstrip his salary in recent times](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79406533-12907281-NBA_star_Kevin_Durant_35_has_seen_his_off_court_investment_outst-a-8_1704041061174.jpg)
NBA star Kevin Durant, 35, has seen his off-court investment outstrip his salary in recent times
9. ROGER FEDERER
Nationality: Swiss; Sport: Tennis; Age: 42
Estimated income: $95.1m [£74.5m]
It is the ultimate testament to Federer's enduring popularity as the G.O.A.T. of tennis that he retired from playing in September 2022 and still remains on this list.
His actual earnings from tournaments in the 12 months up to publication of the latest Forbes list represented less than $1m (£780,000).
So almost $95m (£75m) of the 20-time Grand Slam winner's earnings came away from the court with his RF brand continuing to flourish. In 2023, they partnered with eyewear maker Oliver Peoples.
Federer also owns a significant stake in the up-and-coming Swiss shoe label On, who have unsurprisingly launched a tennis shoe endorsed by a certain former tennis player.
![Tennis great Roger Federer is applauded by the Princess of Wales in the Wimbledon royal box](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79406589-12907281-Tennis_great_Roger_Federer_is_applauded_by_the_Princess_of_Wales-a-4_1704041061159.jpg)
Tennis great Roger Federer is applauded by the Princess of Wales in the Wimbledon royal box
8. STEPHEN CURRY
Nationality: American; Sport (team): Basketball (Golden State Warriors); Age: 35
Estimated income: $100.4m [£78.7m]
Curry's Golden State may have fallen short in their NBA title defence in 2023, but it was nonetheless a hugely successful season for the four-time championship winner.
He was the highest earner in the NBA in 2022-23 on $48.1m (£37.7m) and that has increased to $51.9m (£40.7m) this season.
A long-term extension with kit supplier Under Armour signed back in March will serve him through to retirement and beyond, while a new tie-up with Chase Bank was confirmed.
An investor in TMRW Sports, the year also saw Apple TV+ release a documentary film about his career. It was made by his personal production company Unanimous Media.
![Stephen Curry (right) in Christmas Day NBA action for Golden State against Denver Nuggets](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79406935-12907281-Stephen_Curry_right_in_Christmas_Day_NBA_action_for_Golden_State-a-1_1704041061098.jpg)
Stephen Curry (right) in Christmas Day NBA action for Golden State against Denver Nuggets
7. PHIL MICKELSON
Nationality: American; Sport: Golf; Age: 53
Estimated income: $106m [£83.1m]
We're still not entirely sure how the merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf is going to shake down but the sport's top earners continue to rake it in.
Mickelson defected to LIV despite describing the Saudis as 'scary motherf******', justifying it as an opportunity to 'reshape' how the PGA do things. Those comments lost him a good few sponsors.
Yet he still earned over $100m (£79m) in 2023, having surpassed $1bn (£780m) in career pre-tax earnings the previous year. Mickelson is the co-founder of For Wellness, which makes coffee supplements.
On the course, his year highlight was that storming final round at the Masters to rise from 10 shots off the lead to a tied-second with Brooks Koepka and earn $1.6m (£1.3m) for the bank balance.
![Phil Mickelson's defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf hasn't diminished his earnings](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79407339-12907281-Phil_Mickelson_s_defection_from_the_PGA_Tour_to_LIV_Golf_hasn_t_-a-2_1704041061102.jpg)
Phil Mickelson's defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf hasn't diminished his earnings
6. DUSTIN JOHNSON
Nationality: American; Sport: Golf; Age: 39
Estimated income: $107m [£83.9m]
One of the first to switch over to LIV, the vast Saudi prize money has propelled Johnson into the Forbes top 10 despite the loss of a few sponsors.
He finished their maiden tour with $35.6m (£27.9m) in prize money, more than anyone else, including $18m (£14m) for being the best individual performer.
His 4Aces GC currently top the LIV leaderboard this season as well, with Johnson himself fifth. His Major performances have certainly been nothing to shout about.
Johnson will concentrate on building the 4Aces brand as captain and part-owner to add to his enormous fortune.
![Dustin Johnson has certainly profited from his decision to move to the lucrative LIV tour](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79405647-12907281-Dustin_Johnson_has_certainly_profited_from_his_decision_to_move_-a-5_1704041061160.jpg)
Dustin Johnson has certainly profited from his decision to move to the lucrative LIV tour
5. CANELO ALVAREZ
Nationality: Mexican; Sport: Boxing; Age: 33
Estimated income: $110m [£86.2m]
Another good year in the ring for Canelo, who defeated John Ryder in May and Jermell Charlo in September to preserve his dominance of the super middleweight division.
The Mexican commands tens of millions of dollars each and every time he steps through the ropes and it's these deals which dwarf his other income.
Pay-per-view earnings form a huge part, with his trilogy fight with Gennady Golovkin in 2022 raking in $79.5m (£62.4m) on DAZN.
The 33-year-old doesn't have masses of partnerships but has been steadily increasing them in recent months. He has a sports drink, a fitness app, fashion label and even a chain of gas stations.
![Mexican boxing hero Canelo Alvarez (left) during his victory over Jermell Charlo in September](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79405649-12907281-Mexican_boxing_hero_Canelo_Alvarez_left_during_his_victory_over_-a-6_1704041061166.jpg)
Mexican boxing hero Canelo Alvarez (left) during his victory over Jermell Charlo in September
4. LEBRON JAMES
Nationality: American; Sport (team): Basketball (Los Angeles Lakers); Age: 39
Estimated income: $119.5m [£93.7m]
His mastery of basketball assures an incredible NBA longevity and his shrewdness with investments should ensure James a place on this ranking for some time yet.
2023 saw the NBA's oldest player surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history but the Lakers fell to the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.
This season saw him surpass 39,000 career points and MVP honours in the first NBA In-Season Tournament.
James's off-court earnings surpassed $75m (£59m) after Forbes certified him the first active athlete billionaire in 2022.
That came through his sports nutrition company, his TV production firm and his stake in Liverpool's owner Fenway Sports Group.
His investment portfolio continues to diversify - recent additions include tequila, bicycles and dairy products.
![LeBron James is the NBA's oldest player and his off-court investments continue to diversify](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79405655-12907281-LeBron_James_is_the_NBA_s_oldest_player_and_his_off_court_invest-a-7_1704041061168.jpg)
LeBron James is the NBA's oldest player and his off-court investments continue to diversify
3. KYLIAN MBAPPE
Nationality: French; Sport (teams): Football (Paris Saint-Germain and France); Age: 25
Estimated income: $120m [£94.1m]
2024 looks like being a pivotal year in the career of French superstar Kylian Mbappe. Not only will he spearhead France's attack at Euro 2024 but he must decide whether to leave Paris Saint-Germain for long-standing suitor Real Madrid.
2023 saw Mbappe become captain of the French team and win another Ligue 1 title with PSG, having become the club's all-time leading goalscorer aged only 24.
The Champions League remains elusive, however, and the summer saw acrimony and a brief exile from PSG's pre-season tour of Japan after Mbappe refused a contract extension.
Since returning, Mbappe has smashed 21 goals in 22 games to underscore his importance.
His global fame has brought him into conflict with the French federation over image rights and his endorsements continue to grow with Nike, EA Sports and Hublot among his sponsors.
![A huge 2024 awaits French star Kylian Mbappe as he makes a decision on his PSG future](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79408435-12907281-A_huge_2024_awaits_French_star_Kylian_Mbappe_as_he_makes_a_decis-a-10_1704041061185.jpg)
A huge 2024 awaits French star Kylian Mbappe as he makes a decision on his PSG future
2. LIONEL MESSI
Nationality: Argentinean; Sport (teams): Football (Inter Miami and Argentina); Age: 36
Estimated income: $130m [£101.9m]
If 2022 was the year in which all of Lionel Messi's dreams came true as he inspired Argentina to long-awaited World Cup glory, 2023 was a year of new horizons for the star.
His exploits in Qatar earned him the satisfaction of an eighth Ballon d'Or accolade in his mid-thirties, pulling him clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who only has five.
The big decision was his destination after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. Barcelona wanted a romantic return but couldn't afford him. Saudi Arabia could very much afford him but didn't appeal.
So Messi headed to the Sunshine State to sign for MLS side Inter Miami, where he has so far scored 11 goals and success should follow for the franchise owned by David Beckham.
With the G.O.A.T. debate settled in the eyes of many fans, Messi continues to rake in the millions with Forbes placing his 2022-23 income at over £100m in a fairly even split between on and off-field earnings.
Messi has tie-ups with Adidas, Budweiser and PepsiCo, while his deal with blockchain fan platform Socios is worth $20m (£15.7m) a year.
![Lionel Messi smiles as he cradles his eighth Ballon d'Or award following a successful year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79437497-12907281-Lionel_Messi_smiles_as_he_cradles_his_eighth_Ballon_d_Or_award_f-a-9_1704041061183.jpg)
Lionel Messi smiles as he cradles his eighth Ballon d'Or award following a successful year
1. CRISTIANO RONALDO
Nationality: Portuguese; Sport (teams): Football (Al-Nassr and Portugal); Age: 38
Estimated income: $136m [£106.6m]
Really, there's little surprise in the identity of the man at No 1.
Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious exit from Manchester United proved fortuitous for his bank balance as the Saudis decided he would be their main man.
Where the 38-year-old Portuguese star led, other big names have followed as the Saudi Pro League and the eye-watering salaries on offer became rather too tempting to turn down.
Al-Nassr put Ronaldo on an astonishing £175million-a-year contract, rocketing him to the top of this list.
But the remarkable thing is that Ronaldo's off-field earnings are just as strong, given his enormous social media following.
He has linked to cryptocurrency exchange Binance, Nike, the tourism agency for his home island of Madeira, watchmaker Jacob & Co, and many more, not to mention his own labels.
Ronaldo's longevity in the game is already incredible and he could well continue for a little while longer, meaning the cash will continue to roll in.
![Cristiano Ronaldo dressed in traditional Arab robes to mark the Saudi National Day](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/31/16/79433875-12907281-Cristiano_Ronaldo_dressed_in_traditional_Arab_robes_to_mark_the_-a-11_1704041061186.jpg)
Cristiano Ronaldo dressed in traditional Arab robes to mark the Saudi National Day