The top ten highestearning athletes of 2023 have achieved great financial and athletic success through skillful business moves and sporting ability. From Neymar to Ronaldo, these athletes have amassed significant wealth, with Ronaldo claiming the top spot as the highestpaid athlete of the year. Despite legal controversies and security provisions, these athletes have left a lasting mark on the sports industry, showcasing the intersection of business savvy and athletic excellence.
The Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team, have some of the highestpaid players in the sport. Eben Etzebeth earns between R14 and R17 million per year, Faf de Klerk’s income reportedly hovers around R21 million, and Handre Pollard’s earnings from Leicester Tigers are approximately 14.2 million. Cheslin Kolbe declined a R15 million offer and instead accepted a highvalue contract with Suntory Goliath in Japan, rumored to pay him over R20 million per season. These earnings highlight the financial landscape of rugby and the substantial rewards that come with the sport’s determination.