The list of the 10 highest-paid athletes of all time includes some familiar names, but if you factor in inflation, what would their earnings be today?

Sportico has revealed exactly how much the 50 highest-earning athletes of all time earn, after adjusting for inflation.

It should come as no surprise that basketball legend Michael Jordan tops the list, both with and without inflation.

The former Chicago Bulls star has earned $2.7 billion — adjusted to $3.75 billion through the end of 2023 — with much of that money coming from his long-standing partnership with Nike.

Jordan is one of 12 basketball stars to make the top 50, although he and LeBron James are the only ones to make the top 10.

Highest paid athletes in history: Ronaldo tops, Messi unbelievably low 499879

Top 10 highest paid athletes of all time without accounting for inflation (Photo: Sportico).
Cristiano Ronaldo came in third with adjusted earnings of $1.92 billion (up from $1.57 billion). The Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar was the world’s highest-paid active athlete in 2023, earning $275 million.

In addition to Ronaldo, 2022 World Cup champion Lionel Messi is only ranked 6th with 1.67 billion USD. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s “boss” David Beckham is ranked 8th with 1.5 billion USD. These are also the only 3 soccer players on the list.

Highest paid athletes in history: Ronaldo tops, Messi unbelievably low 499880

The top 50 players are expected to earn a total of $50 billion in inflation-adjusted earnings through the end of 2023, including earnings throughout their playing and retirement careers.

Income shared in the rankings includes salaries, bonuses, sponsorships, endorsement deals, licensing, royalties, merchandise, book deals, media, appearance fees and golf course design fees.

The income quoted is pre-tax income and in the cases of Arnold Palmer and Kobe Bryant, the income is calculated up to the time of death.