The 30 highest-paid athletes in 2022 have been named

Sportico have released their list of highest-paid athletes in 2022.

Here, we list the top 30 sportspeople based on their salary and prize money, as well as their merchandise, appearances and licensing in off-field endorsements.

We previously listed the highest-paid athlete per major sport, but now let’s take a dive into what athlete as an individual, no matter what sport they are involved in, makes the top 30.

LeBron James — $126.9M

The LA Lakers player tops the list after finishing fifth last year. The American made $36.9M in salary/winnings and $90M in endorsements.

2. Lionel Messi — $122M

The first of four football players to make the list, Messi remains in second place from the previous year. Arguably the GOAT in the football world, the Argentine earned $72M in salary and winnings and $50M in endorsements. 

3. Cristiano Ronaldo — $115M

Messi’s long-term rival to the GOAT throne, Cristiano Ronaldo also remains in the same position as the previous year. The Man United MVP made $60M in salary/winnings and $55M in endorsements. 

4. Neymar — $103

Up two places on the previous year, the second-highest scoring Brazilian ever earned $65M in salary/earnings and $38M from endorsements. 

5. Canelo Alvarez — $89M

The Mexican boxer breaks into the top 10 having placed 12th on last year’s list. He earned $84M in salary and winnings and $5M in endorsements.

6. Stephen Curry — 86.2M

Considered one of the greatest point guards ever, The Golden States player earned $41.2M in salary and earnings and $45M from endorsements. Curry rises from 10th to 6th.

7. Kevin Durant — $85.9M

A former teammate of Curry, Kevin Durant comes in two places higher than before. The Brooklyn Nets star earned $37.9M in salary/earnings and $48M in