The 18 richest athletes in the world in 2024

After becoming the king of the courts, Michael Jordan became the richest athlete in the world.

The history of sports is rich in special achievements and athletes. Also rich in money, some stand out for their financial success, continuing to grow their assets well after the end of their sporting career. Ranking of the 18 richest athletes in the world in 2024 showing a list of former glories who were able to multiply their deeds.

Michael Jordan number one in basketball history and heritage

It’s no surprise that basketball icon Michael Jordan sits at the top with a fortune estimated at $3.2 billion. The former Chicago Bulls player was able to take advantage of his fame to develop his personal brand with the Nike complex and invest in several sectors, especially by being the owner of the NBA franchise, the Charlotte Hornets, who ended up trading him. Not without creating significant added value.

The podium is completed by two iconic figures: Vince McMahon, the wrestling promoter and head of the WWE (2.8 billion), and the Romanian tennis player Ion Tiriac (2.1 billion), successfully turned into a business.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are in 18th place

Then we find familiar names in world sports like Tiger Woods (1.3 billion), LeBron James and Magic Johnson (1.2 billion each). Football is represented by Lionel Messi (650 million) and Cristiano Ronaldo (600 million), and tennis has Roger Federer in its ranks (550 million).

This ranking shows the ability of these exceptional athletes to turn their sporting success into a financial empire. Apart from their contracts and sporting achievements, it is often their business acumen and shrewd investments that have allowed them to reach such financial heights.

“Sons and daughters” are not included in the ranking

It is interesting to note that there is only one woman in this top 18: the Danish rider Anna Kasprzak, whose fortune is estimated at $ 1 billion. This highlights the continuing differences between men and women in professional sport, both in terms of pay and commercial opportunities.

On the other hand, not included in this ceiling are sons and daughters, who are the heirs of real emperors. Like the tennis players, Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula or the Formula 1 driver, Lance Stroll, whose parents are billionaires.

The 18 richest athletes in the world in 2024

Michael Jordan (basketball) = 2.9 billion euros
Vince McMahon (wrestling) = 2.5 billion euros
Ion Tiriac (tennis) = 1.9 billion euros
Tiger Woods (golf) = 1.2 million euros
LeBron James (basketball) = 1.1 billion euros
Magic Johnson (basketball) = 1.1 million euros
Anna Kasprzak (riding) = 880 million euros
Lionel Messi (football) = 575 million euros
Eddie Jordan (formula 1) = 530 million euros
Junior Bridgeman (basketball) = 530 million euros
Michael Schumacher (formula 1) = 530 million euros
Roger Staubach (American football) = 530 million euros
Cristiano Ronaldo (football) = 530 million euros
Roger Federer (tennis) = 485 million euros
David Beckham (football) = 395 million euros
Russell Westbrook (basketball) = 263 million euros
Kevin Durant (basketball) = 263 million euros
Phil Mickelson (golf) = 263 million euros