20 Most Famous Athletes in the World Right Now in 2024
Most famous athletes are not only well-known in the world, but also have millions to billions of dollars. Cristiano Ronaldo has earned $136 Million in the last year (2023). Michael Jordan has a $2+ Billion net worth and makes up to millions of dollars every day. Do you understand the value of these popular athletes?
We have a list of the 20 most popular athletes right now. And included these names based on their earnings, social media followers, engagement, and popularity among sports lovers.
Who Are the Most Famous Athletes in the World Right Now
The list contains eight tennis players, basketball players, cricket players, golfers, and track stars. We have selected these athletes who are determinants for their sports. See the position of your favorite athletes on our the most famous athletes in the world list.
SL | Athlete Names | Sports | Annual Income | Net Worth |
1 | LeBron James | Basketball | $48 Million | $1 Billion |
2 | Lionel Messi | Football | $54 Million | $650 Million |
3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | $213 Million | $1 Billion |
4 | David Beckham | Football | $35 Million | $450 Million |
5 | Neymar Jr. | Football | $78 Million | $200 Million |
6 | Serena Williams | Tennis | $25 Million | $200 Million |
7 | Lewis Hamilton | Racing Driver | $62 Million | $285 Million |
8 | Derek Jeter | Baseball | $30 Million | $200 Million |
9 | Roger Federer | Tennis | $106 Million | $550 Million |
10 | Michael Jordan | Basketball | $145 Million | $3.1 Billion |
11 | Michael Phelps | Swimming | $9.3 Million | $65 Million |
12 | Tim Tebow | NFL (Football) | $4 Million | $10 Million |
13 | Shaquille O'Neal | Basketball | $10 Million | $400 Million |
14 | Tom Brady | $15 Million | $450 Million | |
15 | Jimmie Johnson | Racing Driver | $10 Million | $160 Million |
16 | Phil Mickelson | Golf | $45 Million | $400 Million |
17 | Dwight Howard | Golf | $30 Million | $140 Million |
18 | Usain Bolt | Sprinter | $20 Million | $90 Million |
19 | Steph Curry | Basketball | $100 Million | $160 Million |
20 | Katie Ledecky | Swimming | $1.5 Million | $5 Million |
1. LeBron James
King James is one of the most famous athletes of all time. He rules sports. The NBA's top-selling jersey and ninth-most Twitter followers belong to him. James earns $48 million annually. He has many sponsorships, including Bubblicious, Nike, Upper Deck, Sprite, State Farm, Glacéau, and McDonald's. “The LeBrons” is his ad series. “More Than A Game,” a biopic starring James.
The LeBron James Family Foundation supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Children's Defense Fund, and ONEXONE.
Moreover, James gave $20,000 to assist Obama in winning. It doesn't matter if you love or hate him; LeBron James is today's most significant athlete.
2. Lionel Messi
Another of the most famous athletes is Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi's exceptional talent, hard work, and popularity, as well as his philanthropy and humble personality, have made him the most famous athlete of all time and a beloved figure to millions of fans around the globe.
Lionel Messi, a famous football player, earns an annual income of 32 million dollars from his endorsement deals. Leo Messi's foundation helps disadvantaged kids get medical attention and education.
The organization promises to cover therapy costs in Spain, including airfare for Argentine youngsters who need to go there. His role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador began in 2010, and he has since advocated for children's rights.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous athletes and soccer players from Portugal. He is popular worldwide for his exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. The dedication of the player is so attractive to the sports lover. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including the five Ballon d'Or awards.
As you already know, Cristiano Ronaldo has earned $136 Million in the year 2023. He has earned 2X from endorsement deals, It is around $90 Million. Can you imagine why famous companies such as Nike and Coca-Cola give him a lot of money for their sponsorship? Cristiano Ronaldo has become a brand right now among worldwide sports enthusiasts.
Some funny and enjoyable moments of Ronaldo are captured on camera and viral on social media. He is the 4th most followed Twitter account. The interesting fact is if you follow the cover image of Ronaldo's Official Facebook page, you can see the Nike logo here.
4. David Beckham
David Beckham is a former professional footballer and one of the most famous athletes in the world. He had a stellar European career, including stops at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and even LA Galaxy. And he was a key player for the England national team.
Adidas, Armani, and Motorola sponsor Beckham. He earns $40 million annually. In 2002, "Bend It Like Beckham" starred him. He supports UNICEF, Unite For Children, and Unite Against Aids.
5. Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. is a Brazilian soccer player who has played several times at the World Cup of FIFA and Copa América Club. He started playing soccer in the Santos Youth Academy, a short name “Pexie” in 2003. At the age of 17 years, he started his professional journey as one of the most famous athletes, specifically as a soccer player. He has become a popular player for his stylish shots in football. He was a very clever and stylish boy, in or out of the field.
Now Neymar Jr. is not just a soccer player, He has become a brand. He has got the attention of millions of people by performing well in the field. Furthermore, He has earned a lot of money from endorsements besides playing soccer.
6. Serena Williams
Serena Williams is a professional tennis player and one of the world's most successful and highest-earning female athletes. She holds the record for most Grand Slam singles championships in the Open Era with 23.
Throughout her career, Serena has been highly successful on the court and has earned significant prize money from her tournament wins. Forbes said that in 2016, she earned $28.9 million, making her the highest-paid female athlete in the world.
7. Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is a professional Formula One racing driver and one of the highest-earning athletes in the world. He has the most championships won by a driver in the sport's history, and has been consistently ranked among the top drivers in the world.
Significant earnings, including prize money and endorsement deals, have accompanied Hamilton's success on the track. According to Forbes, in 2021, Hamilton was ranked as the highest-paid driver in the sport, earning $54 million, including $40 million in salary and winnings and $14 million in endorsement deals.
8. Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter is a famous baseball player and one of the most famous athletes among baseball lovers. He has played his entire career with the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. He had led the team of baseball in New York and won a lot of awards for his amazing skills.
Besides the baseball field, Derek Jeter is a successful businessman. He has started investing in other companies such as Weplay, Whistle, Bluejeans Network, etc. However, in June 2023 he started his own food company called Meati Food.
But it's not just about baseball and business for Derek. In 1996, he started the Turn 2 Foundation to help young people stay away from problems with drugs. Derek Jeter is not just a sports hero; he's also making a positive impact on the lives of young people.
9. Roger Federer
Roger Federer earns an estimated $47 million each year. Nike, Rolex, Gillette, and Mercedes-Benz are among the companies that support him. He started the Roger Federer Foundation and is a significant benefactor to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
10. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his playing career, he won six NBA championships and five Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and was selected to the All-Star team 14 times.
Significant earnings accompanied Jordan's on-court success. According to Forbes, in January 2024, Jordan was estimated to have a net worth of $3 billion, making him the wealthiest former athlete in the world.
11. Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is another athlete who would be higher if not for mistakes. Subway, Speedo, and Omega are just a few companies that have signed on as Phelps' sponsors. He established the Michael Phelps Foundation, which collaborates with BGC of America programs for young people.
12. Tim Tebow
Before his NFL debut, Tim Tebow's jersey was the bestseller in the league. Nike, Jockey International, and FRS Health Energy have all signed as sponsors.
ESPN also produced a documentary about Tebow's draft day anxiety. In 2010, he appeared in a Super Bowl ad for Pro-Life.
He donated $2 million to charity 24 hours after receiving his signing bonus because he was ecstatic.
13. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal is a popular basketball player and businessperson. The most famous athlete has $15 million followers, on Twitter. He makes around $35 million per year from the sports and business. But Shaquille O'Neal is not only successful in sports and business, he is also a music lover. He has already released four rap albums.
You might be wondering that Shaquille also has his TV show in the summer called “Shaq.” He is not just one of the most famous athletes, he's also kind. He helps out organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America, Be The Match, and Phoenix House. Shaquille O'Neal is not just a basketball legend; he's a super nice guy making a big difference.
14. Tom Brady
Tom Brady's annual total compensation is 31 million dollars. Movado and Smart Water are his sponsors. ESPN produced a documentary on the ordeal of waiting for the draft.
Brady advocates for Big Buddies International, an organization working to enrich the lives of people with intellectual impairments.
Read More: Another QB Baker Mayfield.
15. Jimmie Johnson
In 2006, he started the Jimmie Johnson Foundation to help underprivileged children. The Hendrick Marrow Program, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Victory Junction, and Habitat for Humanity are just a few of the causes he supports. A year in Jimmie Johnson's life may net him $15,300,000. Lowe's, Tylenol, and Gatorade have all backed him.
Several Red Cross disaster relief projects have Johnson's assistance.
16. Phil Mickelson
True, Phil is now ahead of Tiger. Phil Mickelson earns an astonishing $47 million yearly salary and endorsements. KPMG, ExxonMobil, Rolex, Barclays, and Callaway Golf are the companies supporting him.
To give back to the community, he suggested the PGA run a campaign called "Birdies for the Brave," with donations going to two organizations that provide services to veterans.
Organizations like the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Homes for Our Troops are helping out.
17. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard can become the next Shaquille O'Neal if he moves to a larger market and capitalizes on his charisma. Howard's jersey is the ninth most purchased in NBA history, and he has the fifth-highest Twitter followers of any athlete.
Adidas, T-Mobile, and McDonald's are among his sponsors. About $28 million per year is Howard's income.
Scholarships at his alma mater, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, are offered through the Dwight D. Howard Foundation. The organization holds girls' and boys' basketball camps, with coaching from college and expert coaches and players.
Howard has also been present at several Read to Achieve events organized by the NBA.
18. Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt is one of the greatest sprinters of all time and has been successful both on and off the track. According to various reports, his estimated career earnings are around $33 million, with a significant portion coming from endorsement deals with major brands such as Puma, Gatorade, Nissan, and Visa. He has also won numerous awards and prizes throughout his career, further adding to his net worth.
19. Steph Curry
Steph Curry is a professional basketball player with a highly successful career in the NBA. He's one of the league's best shooters and has won several trophies.
As of my knowledge, Steph Curry's estimated career earnings are around $200 million, including his salary and various endorsement deals with brands such as Under Armour, Nissan, and Brita. He also has several investments, contributing to his overall net worth.
20. Katie Ledecky
In our list of the most famous athletes of all time, Katie Ledecky is the final name. She is an American competitive swimmer who has been dominant in her sport for many years. She has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, setting many world records.
As of January 2024, Ledecky's estimated career earnings are around $5 million, including her prize money from competitions and endorsement deals with brands such as TYR Sport, Mizuno, and Bridges2health. She also receives a stipend from the U.S. Olympic Committee, which helps support her training and competition expenses.
Final Thoughts
These are the most famous athletes in the world and icons to millions of fans across the globe because of their dedication to their craft and the success they've achieved in it. They are changing the world with their on- and off-field exploits and their legacies will be etched in history books for generations.
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Who is the richest athlete?
In 2022, Lionel Messi surpassed LeBron James to become the highest-paid athlete. The World Cup champion joins his PSG colleague Neymar and rival Cristiano Ronaldo on Forbes' top ten list of highest-paid athletes.
Who is the goat of any sport?
When it comes to who is the best athlete or sportsperson—that is, when it comes to the sum of a person's achievements and talents in a certain sport—Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
