Forbes Lists 50 Highest-Paid Athletes With $4.1 Billion Total Earnings
Forbes reported that the 50 highest-paid athletes earned a combined $4.1 billion in the past 12 months. The total is down slightly from the 2025 record of $4.2 billion.
dohanews.coForbes published its annual ranking of the world's 50 highest-paid athletes on May 22, 2026. The athletes earned a combined $4.1 billion before taxes and agent fees. Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list with an estimated $300 million. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward has now led the ranking six times, including each of the last four years.
Hamilton became the first Formula 1 driver to reach $100 million in a single year. Juan Soto's $127.6 million total set a new MLB record after Shohei Ohtani reclaimed the top spot in baseball. Three athletes on the list are at least 40 years old. The average age of the top 50 is 30, down from 33 three years ago.
Off-field earnings for the group reached a record $1.1 billion. Shohei Ohtani earned an estimated $125 million from endorsements and other business ventures. On-field earnings totaled $3 billion. The cutoff to reach the top 50 was $54.6 million, set by tennis player Jannik Sinner. Eight sports are represented. Basketball accounts for 20 athletes, the NFL for nine, and soccer for seven.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- May 22, 2026
Forbes published its 2026 ranking of the 50 highest-paid athletes.
1 source@Forbes - Past 12 months
The athletes earned a combined $4.1 billion before taxes and fees.
1 source@Forbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Athletes and agents may use the figures in future contract negotiations.
- 02
Sponsors may adjust marketing budgets based on athlete visibility rankings.
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