Jon Rahm Named Second Highest-Paid Athlete in the World After LIV Golf Move
Jon Rahm Named Second Highest-Paid Athlete in the World After LIV Golf Move Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf has catapulted him to the second spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. The list, which tracks earnings from May 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, shows Rahm trailing only soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo,…
Jon Rahm Named Second Highest-Paid Athlete in the World After LIV Golf Move
Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf has catapulted him to the second spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. The list, which tracks earnings from May 1, 2023, to May 1, 2024, shows Rahm trailing only soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who tops the list with $260 million in earnings, largely due to his transfer to Saudi club Al Nassr.
Rahm’s total earnings are reported at $218 million, a significant portion of which—$198 million—comes from his playing activities. An additional $20 million is attributed to endorsements and sponsorships. The 29-year-old Spaniard’s lucrative deal with LIV Golf last December was a surprising turn of events, especially given his prior support for the PGA Tour. Rahm acknowledged that the financial incentives were a key factor in his decision to switch.
The Forbes list also features four other golfers among the top 50 highest-paid athletes. Rory McIlroy, who is 19th on the list, earned $80.1 million despite not adding to his four Major titles since 2014. Over half of McIlroy’s earnings are from off-course ventures, including his investment in the F1 team Alpine. McIlroy remains a significant figure in golf, consistently ranking within the top three in the world since 2022.
Tiger Woods, despite limited competitive play due to injury, ranks 23rd with total earnings of $67.2 million. His on-course earnings of $12.2 million are overshadowed by $55 million from endorsements and other ventures. Woods continues to be a major financial force in the sport.
Current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is 29th on the list, with total earnings of $59.2 million. Scheffler’s impressive on-course performance, including four wins in 2024 alone, contributed $39.2 million to his earnings, with the remaining $20 million coming from endorsements and other sources.
These golfers highlight the financial rewards available in professional golf, especially with the emergence of LIV Golf as a lucrative alternative to traditional tours.