Lionel Messi tops Forbes' highest-paid athlete list for 2022

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 1305 GMT (2105 HKT) May 12, 2022

Lionel Messi tops Forbes' rich list but no women make the top 10.

(CNN)Despite a disappointing season on the pitch, Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi was the highest-paid athlete in the world over the last 12 months, according to Forbes.

The soccer sensation is reported to be bringing in pre-tax gross earnings of $130 million a year from on-field and off-field pursuits, keeping him ahead of the likes of LeBron James and rival Cristiano Ronaldo on the rich list. Messi, who earns a reported $75 million a year from playing soccer, also cashes in on $55 million from sponsorship deals and endorsements. Forbes' Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2022Lionel Messi: $130 millionLeBron James: $121.2 millionCristiano Ronaldo: $115 millionNeymar: $95 millionStephen Curry: $92.8 millionKevin Durant: $92.1 millionRoger Federer: $90.7 millionCanelo Alvarez: $90 millionTom Brady: $83.9 millionGiannis Antetokounmpo: $80.9 millionIt's the second time the Argentine sits atop Forbes' list, the last time coming in 2019. The top 10 highest earners, who are all men, collectively brought in $992 million in pre-tax gross earnings over the last year. Read MoreMessi has received criticism for some of his off-field sponsorships, recently promoting tourism for Saudi Arabia. He was pictured in the country and posted a photo on his personal Instagram account with the tag #VisitSaudi.The country has long been accused of sportswashing in order to hide its poor human rights record. «Recent additions to Messi's revenue streams: Qatar, controversial crypto company Socios and Saudi. Man's gotta eat,» tweeted New York Times reporter Tariq Panja. CNN has reached out to Messi's representatives for