The Spanish newspaper Marca published a report on the 50 largest contracts in the history of sports globally, which included only three football players: the Argentine Messi, the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, and the French Karim Benzema.
The list of the 50 largest contracts in sports history around the world is as follows:
1. Japanese Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star Shohei Ohtani signed a contract this year lasting until 2033 for which he will receive $700 million, equating to an annual income of $70 million.
2. Argentine Lionel Messi signed a contract with his former club Barcelona in 2017 that runs until 2021, worth $674 million, which amounts to $168.5 million annually.
3. In December 2022, Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo signed a contract with Saudi Al-Nasr that lasts until 2025, totaling $536,336,818, which translates to $214,534,727 annually.
4. American football player Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 that will extend until 2031, for which he will receive $450 million, or $45 million per year.
5. French footballer Karim Benzema signed a contract with Al-Ittihad Jeddah from 2023 to 2025, earning $447,302,608, translating to $223,651,304 per year.
6. American Mike Trout will earn $426,500,000 for an 11-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels from 2019 to 2030, which equates to $35,541,667 annually.
7. Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez signed a contract in 2018 that will run until 2023, earning him $365 million, which breaks down to $73 million each year.
8. In 2021, American baseball player Mookie Betts signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers lasting until 2032, for a total of $365 million, or $30,416,667 annually.
9. In 2023, American baseball player Aaron Judge signed a contract with the New York Yankees that lasts until 2034, worth $360 million, which amounts to $40 million per year.
10. American Manny Machado appears for the second time on this list, with a contract signed with the San Diego Padres last year until 2034, earning $350 million, equating to $31,818,818 annually.
11. Puerto Rican baseball player Francisco Lindor signed a contract with the New York Mets in 2022 that runs through 2031, totaling $341,000,000, making $34,100,000 per year.
12. Dominican Fernando Tatis will earn a total of $340,000,000 for a 14-year contract with the San Diego Padres from 2021 to 2034, translating to $24,285,714 annually.
13. Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen signed a contract with Red Bull Racing in 2023, valid until 2028, earning a total of $330 million, which equals $55 million annually.
14. Bryce Harper signed a 13-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2019 to 2031 for a total of $330 million, which comes to $25,384,615 each year.
15. Giancarlo Stanton, with the Miami Marlins, signed a contract from 2015 to 2027 worth $325 million, which equals $25,000,000 annually.
16. Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he will earn $325,000,000 from 2024 to 2035, representing $27,083,333 per year.
17. Corey Seager’s contract with the Texas Rangers, from 2022 to 2031, is worth $325,000,000, which translates to $32,500,000 annually.
18. Gerrit Cole signed a nine-year contract with the New York Yankees in 2020 that will extend until 2028, with a total worth of $324,000,000, equating to $36,000,000 each year.
19. American Jayson Tatum has a five-year contract with the Boston Celtics until 2030, with a total of $314 million, resulting in an annual income of $62 million and 800 thousand.
20. Rafael Devers’ one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox through 2033 is worth $313,500,000, meaning he will earn $31,350,000 annually.
21. Jaylen Brown signed a contract this year with the Boston Celtics through 2029, earning $303,734,891, which amounts to $60,746,978 per year.
22. Manny Machado will receive $300 million for his contract with the San Diego Padres, which runs until 2028, averaging $30 million annually.
23. Trea Turner signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last year until 2033 for $300 million, amounting to $27,272,727 each year.
24. Bobby Witt Jr. has a contract through 2034 with the Kansas City Royals that will earn him $288,700,000, which equals $26,245,455 annually.
25. Xander Bogaerts, with the San Diego Padres, will receive $280,000,000 for an 11-year contract, which is $25,454,545 per year.
26. Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, will earn $275,000,000 from 2022 until 2029, which equals $55,000,000 annually.
27. Trevor Lawrence will receive $275 million for a five-year contract signed in 2024, averaging $55 million per year.
28. Alex Rodriguez makes his second appearance on this list, having earned $275 million over 10 years from 2008 to 2017, totaling $27.5 million annually.
29. Scottie Barnes has a contract through 2029 with the Toronto Raptors, where he will earn $270 million, averaging $54 million annually.
30. Nikola Jokic, Basketball, Denver Nuggets, The Serbian signed a contract last year until 2028 and will receive $264,000,000, amounting to $52,800,000 annually..
31. Justin Herbert, Football, Los Angeles Chargers, He will earn $262,500,000 on a five-year contract until 2029, averaging $52,500,000 per year..
32. Lamar Jackson, Football, Baltimore Ravens, He signed a contract last year until 2027 worth $260 million, providing an annual income of $52 million..
33. Nolan Arenado, Baseball, Colorado Rockies, The contract is $260,000,000 for eight years, ending next year, averaging $32,500,000 annually..
34. Josh Allen “Football, Buffalo Bills”, In 2021, he signed a seven-year contract until 2028 worth $258 million, averaging $43 million per year..
35. Jalen Hurts “Football, Philadelphia Eagles”, He will earn a total of $255,000,000 for his five-year contract through 2027, which is $51,000,000 per year..
36. Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Texas Rangers, In 2001, he signed a 10-year contract earning $252 million, which averages to $25,200,000 annually..
37. Bradley Beal, Basketball, Washington Wizards, He signed a contract two years ago until 2027 and will earn $251 million, which is $50.2 million per year..
38. Miguel Cabrera, Baseball, Detroit Tigers, He earned $248 million over eight years from 2016 to 2024, averaging $31 million annually..
39. Anthony Rendon, Baseball, Los Angeles Angels, He will earn a total of $245 million for a four-year contract that ends in 2026, averaging $35 million each year..
40. Stephen Strasburg, Baseball, Washington Nationals, He signed a seven-year contract in 2020 worth $245 million, with an annual income of $35 million..
41. Russell Wilson “Football, Denver Broncos”, He will receive $242,588,236 for a four-year contract that ends in 2026, equating to $48,517,647 per year..
42. Albert Pujols “Baseball, Angeles Angels”, He earned $240 million over 10 years until 2021, averaging $24 million per year.
43. Robinson Cano “Seattle Mariners Football”, He earned $240 million in nine years, averaging $24 million annually..
44. Lauri Markkanen, Basketball, Utah Jazz, He signed a contract this year until 2029 for $238 million, or about $47.6 million per year..
45. Kyler Murray “Football, The Arizona Cardinals athlete will earn $230,500,000 between 2022 and 2026, equating to $46,100,000 annually.
46. Deshaun Watson “Cleveland Browns Football”, He signed a five-year contract in 2022 for $230 million, averaging $46 million yearly..
47. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Basketball, Milwaukee Bucks, He signed a five-year contract in 2021 worth $228,200,830, which translates to $45,640,166 per year..
48. James Harden, Basketball, Houston Rockets, The American player signed a contract from 2017 to 2023, earning $228 million, which equates to $38 million per year..
49. Joey Votto “Baseball”, The Canadian athlete signed a 10-year contract in 2014 that earned him $225 million, which is $22.5 million annually..
50. Devin Booker, Basketball, Phoenix Suns, In 2024, he signed a contract through 2028 for $224,000,000, equating to an annual income of $56,000,000.
Exploring the 50 Biggest Contracts in Sports History
The realm of sports is not just about athletic prowess but also about lucrative contracts that redefine the landscape of professional sports. A recent report by the Spanish newspaper Marca listed the 50 biggest contracts in sports history, shedding light on the staggering amounts athletes receive for their talents. This article delves into these monumental contracts, emphasizing the prominent presence of football players along with other athletes from different sports.
Top 3 Football Contracts
Within the exclusive listing, only three football players made the cut, highlighting the intense competition for contracts in the football world:
- Lionel Messi: The Argentine superstar signed a contract with Barcelona in 2017 worth a staggering $674 million, averaging $168.5 million annually.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese player joined Saudi club Al-Nassr in December 2022 for $536 million, amassing approximately $214.5 million per year.
- Karim Benzema: Another prominent signing for Al-Ittihad in 2023, Benzema’s deal is valued at $447.3 million, equating to about $223.6 million annually.
Complete List of the 50 Biggest Contracts
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Contract Value ($) | Annual Earnings ($) | Contract Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | Baseball | 700,000,000 | 70,000,000 | 2023-2033 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Football | 674,000,000 | 168,500,000 | 2017-2021 |
| 3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | 536,336,818 | 214,534,727 | 2022-2025 |
| 4 | Patrick Mahomes | Football | 450,000,000 | 45,000,000 | 2010-2031 |
| 5 | Karim Benzema | Football | 447,302,608 | 223,651,304 | 2023-2025 |
| 50 | Devin Booker | Basketball | 224,000,000 | 56,000,000 | 2024-2028 |
Impact of Contracts on Sports
These monumental contracts not only alter the financial landscape for athletes but also impact their respective sports and teams. Here are some key effects of large contracts:
- Market Trends: Big contracts set new market standards, influencing negotiations for upcoming players.
- Player Valuation: High-value contracts can enhance a player’s marketability and brand, leading to lucrative endorsement deals.
- Team Dynamics: Large contracts can affect team salary caps and overall budget strategies.
Case Studies of Successful Contracts
Lionel Messi at Barcelona
Messi’s contract with Barcelona was groundbreaking and established him as not only one of the highest-paid athletes but also a global icon in sports. His massive contract reflected his value to the team, which garnered significant revenue through merchandise sales and ticket sales, often justifying the high salary.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Move to Al-Nassr
Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr is a shining example of how one player can redefine a club’s branding and marketing strategy. His presence in Saudi Arabia has not only uplifted the club’s profile but has also brought international attention to the Saudi Pro League.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Professionals
For young athletes looking to make it in sports, understanding the business side of their careers is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Focus on Performance: Excellence on the field often translates into better contract opportunities.
- Build a Personal Brand: Engage with fans through social media and community involvement to enhance marketability.
- Consult Experienced Agents: An effective agent can help secure better contracts and navigate negotiations.
Conclusion (Automatically Generated)
Understanding the biggest contracts in sports history provides valuable insights into the financial dynamics of professional sports. These monumental deals are not only a reflection of an athlete’s talent but also the growing commercial nature of sports in today’s society.
