Who was Forbes’ highest-paid athlete in 2022?

Lionel Messi was Forbes’ highest-paid athlete in 2022.

Forbes estimated Messi’s total earnings at $130 million for the 12 months ending May 1, 2022. The amount combined his Paris Saint-Germain salary and bonuses with sponsorship and endorsement income. The Argentine footballer’s commercial partnerships included major global brands, helping him lead a list dominated by internationally marketable sports stars.

LeBron James ranked second at an estimated $121.2 million, while Cristiano Ronaldo ranked third at $115 million. The figures were estimates of income during the measurement period, not estimates of the athletes’ total net worth.

Forbes separates athlete earnings from its billionaire and wealth rankings. A player can lead an annual income list without being the wealthiest athlete overall, because investments, ownership stakes, taxes, and spending affect net worth differently from one year’s pay and endorsements.