Lionel Messi is the highest paid athlete in the world

Lionel Messi, the striker of Paris Saint-Germain, is the first in the world ranking of the highest earners in the world of sports.

The new ranking of the specialized magazine Forbes shows that soccer players and basketball players are the best paid in the world of sports.

Lionel Messi earned 130 million dollars (US), taking into account his on-field contracts and sponsorship deals in the last 12 months. The Argentinean has earned in the last 12 months, 75 million from his Parisian club and 55 million dollars (US) from his sponsors.

For Lionel Messi, it is a return to the throne of the highest earners in the world of sports, after having raptured title in 2019.

LeBron James of theLos Angeles Lakers ($121.2 million) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United ($115 million) were the only other athletes to earn at least $100 million last year.

Of note,Conor McGregor, last year’s No. 1 earner, is excluded from this year’s top-0. TheUFC fighter has not been very active in recent months. Last year, he also hit the jackpot by selling his companyProper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey.

A regular in this ranking, Switzerland’sRoger Federer is the athlete who has earned the least from his sport. The tennis player received $700,000 for his sports performance, and $90 million from his sponsors.

Here are the top-10 highest paid athletes in 2022.

1. Lionel Messi, soccer ($130 million)
2. LeBron James, basketball ($121.2 million)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, soccer ($115 million)
4. Neymar, soccer ($95 million)
5. Stephen Curry, basketball ($92.8 million)
6. Kevin Durant, basketball ($92.1 million)
7. Roger Federer, tennis ($90.7 million)
8. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, boxing ($90 million)
9. Tom Brady, soccer ($83.9 million)
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo, basketball ($80.9 million)