Forbes Reveals Its 2022 List Of Highest-Paid Athletes

Forbes has unveiled their annual highest-paid athlete’s list, and it’s clear the true ballers exist in the sports world.

Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi came in at number one, with $130 million in earnings. He currently plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and is captain of the Argentina National Team. Soccer is the second most-represented sport to make this year’s list, with three athletes. In addition to Messi, Premier League Club player Cristiano Ronaldo sits at number three with $115 million. Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar holds onto the number four spot with $95 million.

Basketball is this year’s most-represented sport on the list, with four athletes flaunting massive dough. LeBron James barely missed the top spot, coming in at number two with $121.2 million in earnings. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is number five with $92.8 million, while Brooklyn Nets very own Kevin Durant comes in directly underneath him in the sixth spot, bringing in an impressive $92.1 million. The fourth NBA star on the list is Milwaukee Bucks mega force Giannis Antetokounmpo who ranked number ten with $80.9 million.

Only one NFL star made the list, and to no one’s surprise, it is half-retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. He is holding down the number nine-seat with $83.9 million. However, he will likely rank much higher next year considering the $375 million deal that he recently inked with Fox Sports once he officially retires, though it is unclear when that may be.

The remaining athletes on the list include tennis icon Roger Federer at No. 7 with $90.7 million and boxer Canelo Alvarez claiming the No. 8 spot with $90 million.

In the words of Boosie Bad Azz, “Big money, I like it.”