Forbes released its first definitive list of the highest paid athlete in 2017, showcasing a new era of earning power driven by endorsement deals and global markets. This snapshot highlights how athletes across soccer, basketball, baseball, and golf built unprecedented annual earnings while balancing team success and personal branding.
The rankings reflect both on-field performance and marketable personalities, setting the stage for a deeper look at income sources, geographic reach, and year over year changes.
| Athlete | Sport | Total Earnings 2017 (USD) | On Field/Salary | Off Field/Endorsements | tr>Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | $93 million | $31 million | $62 million | tr>LeBron James | Basketball | $86.5 million | $31.9 million | $54.6 million | tr>Lionel Messi | Soccer | $84.5 million | $56.5 million | $28 million | tr>Roger Federer | Tennis | $64 million | $7.2 million | $56.8 million | tr>Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | $93 million | $31 million | $62 million | td>LeBron James | Basketball | $86.5 million | $31.9 million | $54.6 million | td>Lionel Messi | Soccer | $84.5 million | $56.5 million | $28 million | td>Roger Federer | Tennis | $64 million | $7.2 million | $56.2 million | td>
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Global Earnings Breakdown by Sport and Region
Soccer Dominance in Europe and Asia
Cristiano Ronaldo topped the highest paid athlete list thanks to his move to Real Madrid and aggressive expansion into the Middle East and Asia. His endorsement portfolio with Nike and Herbalife generated more than two thirds of his total earnings, illustrating how star power off the pitch can rival matchday income.
NBA Player Brand Building in the Americas and China
LeBron James leveraged his long term contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and a growing stable of businesses to secure the second highest ranking. Heavy involvement in media, lifestyle brands, and deep engagement with Chinese sponsors pushed his off field earnings to new highs in 2017.
Endorsement Trends and Market Expansion
Roger Federer demonstrated that longevity in sport can translate into premium partnerships, with watchmaker and financial services deals forming the backbone of his record off field haul. His appeal across Europe, Asia, and the Americas made him a reliable anchor for global campaigns despite limited tournament play.
Lionel Messi combined elite soccer performance with carefully curated endorsement agreements, primarily in footwear and consumer technology. The mix of team success at Barcelona and measured public exposure helped maintain high earnings in a year where many athletes faced contract uncertainty.
Media Rights, Taxes, and Career Longevity
Structural shifts in broadcasting deals and growing interest in live soccer and basketball in emerging markets expanded revenue pools available to top athletes. At the same time, tax planning and offshore structures allowed higher take home value from lucrative endorsement arrangements.
Key Takeaways for Athletes and Brands in 2017
- Diversify income streams beyond team salary through endorsements and media.
- Target emerging markets such as China and the Middle East for growth.
- Invest in long term personal branding to sustain earnings across career peaks and transitions.
- Leverage social platforms to increase visibility and negotiation power.
- Structure contracts with tax efficiency and global exposure in mind.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Cristiano Ronaldo achieve the highest total earnings in 2017?
His record transfer to Real Madrid, combined with a strong social media presence and long term deals with Nike and Herbalife, drove both salary and endorsement income to new highs.
What made LeBron James the second highest paid athlete that year?
LeBron maximized off court opportunities through media ventures, business investments, and partnerships with brands focused on China, while maintaining elite performance on the basketball court.
Why did Lionel Messi rank third despite leading La Liga in scoring?
Messi balanced team success with selective endorsements, focusing on football kit and technology deals, which kept earnings high but below the top two earners on the list.
What role did Roger Federer play in reshaping athlete endorsements?
His consistent image and longevity allowed premium watch and financial services brands to invest heavily, proving that veteran athletes can still command top dollar in sponsorship markets.