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