Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes among 25 highest-paid athletes in the world, per Forbes study

Forbes has released its annual list of the 50 highest-paid athletes in the world, and it includes Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The top three athletes on the list are soccer players: Cristiano Ronaldo ($136 million), Lionel Messi ($130 million) and Kylian Mbappé ($120 million). Those firgues include on- and off-the-field earnings.

Lakers star LeBron James is No. 4 ($119.5 million), and he is the highest-paid player in the United States. Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is the highest paid NFL player ($85 million) and is 12th overall on the list.

Mahomes is 24th on Forbes’ rankings at $59.3 million.

“Mahomes made his third Super Bowl appearance in four years in February 2023, claiming his second title and his second Super Bowl MVP Award,” Forbes wrote. “The success has helped the five-time Pro Bowler build up a substantial endorsement portfolio. Among NFL players, only Tom Brady has made more in recent years.”

Forbes said Mahomes earns $20 million a year in endorsements, second to Brady’s $44 million for most in the NFL.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is the second-highest paid NFL player ($70.5 million), per Forbes.

Here is the methodology Forbes uses for its study: “Forbes tracked income collected between May 1, 2022, and May 1, 2023, based on conversations with dozens of industry insiders. Most asked to remain anonymous, but Forbes would like to acknowledge DODICI Sports Management’s Mariano Trasande. Forbes also consults news reports and salary databases such as Capology and Spotrac. All figures are converted to U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate.

“The on-field earnings figures include prize money, salaries and bonuses. In cases where players continue to receive paychecks beyond May 1 for a regular season that is concluded by then — as in the NBA — Forbes assigns the full season of salary. Playoff bonuses are included for the 2022 MLB and NFL seasons and the 2021-22 NBA season. Athletes were not credited for salary they forfeited during league-imposed suspensions.”

Tennis star Serena Williams is the only woman on Forbes’ top-50 list. She is 49th with estimated earnings of $45.3 million.