Lionel Messi is the highest-paid athlete in the world, according to Forbes, after earning a staggering amount of money in the last 12 months.

The PSG star beat heavy competition, including a number of American athletes to come out on top.

This year’s top 10 earned more than an incredible $990 million combined, with a lot of the money coming from endorsements and high salaries.

Messi earned $130 million in the last year, with $75 million coming on the field and $55 million being made through other endorsements such as Pepsi, Budweiser and Adidas.

In second place is basketball superstar LeBron James, who just misses out to the Argentine despite earning $80 million off the court.

His combined total is $121.2 million with $41.2 million being achieved when playing for the Lakers.

His starring role in Space Jam: A New Legacy wasn’t quite enough to take him to the top of the list.

LeBron James

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo comes in next on the list after being paid $115 million in the last year.

His money is evenly split as $60 million is earned from football and the rest is earned from his off-field activities.

Another footballer Neymar appears in fourth after taking home $95 million, with $70 million of that coming from his high wages at PSG.

Stephen Curry makes up the top five thanks to the $92.8 million that he earned in the last 12 months.

Steph Curry
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he missed a basket against the Washington Wizards at Chase Center on March 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he missed a basket against the Washington Wizards at Chase Center on March 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The basketball star, who is considered as the greatest shooter of all time, earns $45.8 million on the court and $47 million off it.

Kevin Durant is just short of his former teammate's amount with the Brooklyn Nets man earning $92.1 million. 

An incredible $90 million is earned from Roger Federer outside of the tennis court and just $0.7 million on it.

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez appears in eighth position on the Forbes list as he earned $90 million overall.

Canelo

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Canelo Alvarez (L) and WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol face off during a ceremonial weigh-in at Toshiba Plaza on May 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bivol will defend his title against Alvarez at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The first NFL player appears in ninth place and unsurprisingly it’s Tom Brady who is that player. $31.9 million on the field and $52 million off the field adds up to a combined amount of $83.9 million for the seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Another basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo completes the list thanks to his $80.9 million achieved.