Kylian Mbappé has topped the earnings table for the second consecutive year, earning an estimated $110 million over the past 12 months. Despite speculation about his future at Paris Saint-Germain, many believe the 25-year-old French striker will move to Real Madrid this summer. Mbappé’s earnings come from his on-field salary, which is among the highest in the sport, as well as endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Oakley, and Hublot.
Joining Mbappé on the list of top-earning athletes are two new names from the NBA: Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Both players have secured lucrative contracts, with Young earning a supermax extension after an impressive season and Williamson looking toward the future with a five-year, $197 million deal. Their earnings are a combination of on-field salary and off-field endorsements with notable brands.
Also featured on the earnings list are Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic. Haaland, a dynamic striker, set records in his first season in the Premier League and has secured endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Dolce & Gabbana. Doncic, a star point guard, has also entered the world of production with his own company and makes most of his money from his supermax contract extension.
The landscape of athlete earnings is evolving, with younger players like Haaland, Doncic, Young, and Williamson making significant strides in their earnings potential. The average age of the top 50 earners has decreased from the previous year, indicating a shift towards younger athletes cashing in on new contract rules and endorsement opportunities. With high-profile endorsement deals and impressive on-field performances, these young stars are poised to continue climbing the ranks of top-earning athletes.
Mbappé’s continued success on and off the field solidifies his status as one of the most in-demand players in the world. With a history of winning titles in France’s Ligue 1 and a strong presence in the endorsement world, Mbappé’s earnings are likely to remain high for years to come. As the landscape of athlete earnings continues to shift, with younger players securing lucrative deals, Mbappé’s position at the top of the table highlights the changing dynamics of sports finance.
