Forbes’ latest annual ranking of “The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes” for 2023-2024 has spotlighted the extraordinary earnings of global sports stars, with Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané making a notable appearance.
Sadio Mané, known for his dynamic play on the field, has been ranked 40th on the list with an impressive $52 million in earnings.
This achievement places him among the elite in the sports world and marks him as the only Senegalese and the second African athlete in the Top 50.
His former Liverpool teammate, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, is close behind in 38th place, having earned $53 million.
Mané and Salah’s financial success, while remarkable, still trails behind the top earners in the sports industry.
Leading the list is Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who has amassed an astounding $260 million. Following closely is Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, whose earnings have reached $218 million.
Forbes meticulously breaks down the income streams for these athletes, distinguishing between on-field earnings—such as salaries, prize money, bonuses, and club-related image rights—and off-field income from sponsorship deals, endorsements, licensing, and equity sales.
The combined earnings of the top 50 athletes amount to an impressive $3.88 billion.
This record-breaking figure is partly attributed to significant investments from Saudi Arabia, notably through its football league, the Roshn Saudi League, and the substantial payouts from LIV Golf to players like Jon Rahm, securing his high ranking.
Notably, for the first time, the top 10 athletes each earned over $100 million, highlighting the growing financial stakes in professional sports.
Among these top earners are Kylian Mbappé (6th), Karim Benzema (8th), Lionel Messi (3rd), and Neymar (7th).
Sadio Mané’s inclusion in this prestigious list underscores his exceptional talent and marketability, reflecting his significant impact both on and off the pitch.
As the sporting world continues to evolve, such financial milestones emphasize the increasing value and influence of top athletes in the global market.
