Sports contracts are always a hot topic among fans, media, and athletes themselves. Who are the highest paid players in the world? Which sports offer the most lucrative deals? How do these contracts compare across different leagues and countries?

In this article, we will look at the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever signed as of 2023, based on the total value of the contract. We will also provide some background information on each player, their sport, and their team. We will also analyze the impact of these contracts on the players’ performance, the teams’ success, and the sports’ popularity.

1. Shohei Ohtani – $700 million

Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a rare two-way player who can pitch and hit at an elite level. He made history in 2023 by signing a 10-year contract worth $700 million with the Dodgers, making him the highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports.

Ohtani’s contract is also the largest in MLB history, surpassing the previous record of $426.5 million held by his teammate Mike Trout. Ohtani’s annual salary of $70 million is also the highest in MLB, and more than double the average salary of $31.3 million in 2023.

Ohtani’s contract reflects his extraordinary talent and value to the Dodgers, who won the World Series in 2022 with Ohtani as their MVP. Ohtani led the league in both pitching and hitting categories, becoming the first player to do so since Babe Ruth in 1919. He also won the Cy Young Award, the Silver Slugger Award, and the Hank Aaron Award in 2022.

Ohtani’s contract also boosts the popularity of baseball in Japan and around the world, as he attracts millions of fans and media attention with his unprecedented skills and charisma. Ohtani is widely regarded as the face of baseball and one of the most influential athletes in the world.

2. Lionel Messi – $674 million

Lionel Messi is an Argentine soccer player who plays for FC Barcelona in La Liga, the top division of Spanish soccer. He is widely considered as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and the best player of his generation. He has won six Ballon d’Or awards, the most prestigious individual honor in soccer, and holds the record for the most goals and assists in La Liga history.

Messi signed a four-year contract with Barcelona in 2017, worth $674 million in total. This contract made him the highest paid soccer player in the world, and the second highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Messi’s annual salary of $168.5 million is also the highest in soccer, and more than four times the average salary of $40.5 million in La Liga in 2023.

Messi’s contract reflects his loyalty and commitment to Barcelona, the club he joined when he was 13 years old. Messi has led Barcelona to 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles, among other trophies. He has also scored over 700 goals for the club, making him the all-time top scorer for a single club in soccer history.

Messi’s contract also enhances the popularity of soccer in Argentina and around the world, as he inspires millions of fans and young players with his skill, creativity, and passion. Messi is widely regarded as the best ambassador of soccer and one of the most admired athletes in the world.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo – $536.3 million

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese soccer player who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, the top division of Saudi Arabian soccer. He is widely considered as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and the main rival of Lionel Messi. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, and holds the record for the most goals and assists in UEFA Champions League history.

Ronaldo signed a 2.5-year contract with Al-Nassr in 2023, worth $536.3 million. This contract made him the second highest paid soccer player in the world, and the third highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Ronaldo’s annual salary of $214.5 million is also the second highest in soccer, and more than five times the average salary of $40.5 million in the Saudi Professional League in 2023.

Ronaldo’s contract reflects his ambition and desire to challenge himself in a new league and culture. Ronaldo has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, winning multiple trophies and awards. He has also scored over 800 goals for club and country, making him the all-time top scorer in soccer history.

Ronaldo’s contract also increases the visibility and prestige of soccer in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, as he attracts millions of fans and media attention with his talent, work ethic, and leadership. Ronaldo is widely regarded as the most marketable athlete in the world and one of the most influential celebrities in the world.

4. Patrick Mahomes – $450 million

Patrick Mahomes is an American football player who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). He is a quarterback, the most important and valuable position in the sport. He is widely considered as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and the future of the league. He has won one Super Bowl, the most prestigious trophy in the sport, and one Super Bowl MVP award.

Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension with the Chiefs in 2020, worth $450 million in total. This contract made him the highest paid American football player in the world, and the fourth highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Mahomes’ annual salary of $45 million is also the highest in the NFL, and more than double the average salary of $20.8 million in the NFL in 2023.

Mahomes’ contract reflects his potential and importance to the Chiefs, the team he led to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years in 2020. Mahomes has revolutionized the quarterback position with his arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and creativity. He has also broken several records in his first three seasons as a starter, such as the most touchdown passes in a single season with 55 in 2018.

Mahomes’ contract also boosts the popularity of American football in the United States and around the world, as he attracts millions of fans and media attention with his spectacular plays and personality. Mahomes is widely regarded as the face of the NFL and one of the most exciting athletes in the world.

5. Karim Benzema – $447.3 million

Karim Benzema is a French soccer player who plays for Al-Ittihad Club in the Saudi Professional League, the top division of Saudi Arabian soccer. He is a striker, the position that scores the most goals in the sport. He is widely considered as one of the best strikers in the world, and one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history. He has won four UEFA Champions League titles, the most prestigious club competition in the sport, and one Ballon d’Or award.

Benzema signed a two-year contract with Al-Ittihad Club in 2023, worth $447.3 million in total. This contract made him the third highest paid soccer player in the world, and the fifth highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Benzema’s annual salary of $214.5 million is also the second highest in soccer, and more than five times the average salary of $40.5 million in the Saudi Professional League in 2023.

Benzema’s contract reflects his reputation and experience in the highest level of soccer. Benzema has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Lyon, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, winning multiple trophies and awards. He has also scored over 600 goals for club and country, making him the fourth all-time top scorer in soccer history.

Benzema’s contract also enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of soccer in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, as he joins his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the same league. Benzema is widely regarded as one of the most complete and versatile strikers in the world and one of the most respected athletes in the world.

6. Mike Trout – $426.5 million

Mike Trout is an American baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a center fielder, the position that covers the most ground in the outfield. He is widely considered as one of the best baseball players of all time, and the best player of his generation. He has won three American League MVP awards, the most prestigious individual honor in the sport, and nine All-Star selections.

Trout signed a 12-year contract extension with the Angels in 2019, worth $426.5 million in total. This contract made him the second highest paid baseball player in the world, and the sixth highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Trout’s annual salary of $35.5 million is also the second highest in MLB, and more than the average salary.

7. Canelo Álvarez – $365 million

Canelo Álvarez is a Mexican boxer who fights in various weight classes, ranging from light middleweight to light heavyweight. He is widely considered as one of the best boxers of all time, and the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He has won multiple world titles in four different weight divisions, and unified the super middleweight division in 2020.

Álvarez signed a five-year contract with DAZN, a streaming service that broadcasts boxing and other sports, in 2018, worth $365 million in total. This contract made him the highest paid boxer in the world, and the seventh highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Álvarez’s annual salary of $73 million is also the highest in boxing, and more than 10 times the average salary of $6.8 million in the sport in 2023.

Álvarez’s contract reflects his popularity and dominance in boxing, as he draws millions of viewers and generates millions of dollars in revenue for each of his fights. Álvarez has fought some of the biggest names in boxing, such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Gennady Golovkin, and Sergey Kovalev, and has won most of his bouts by knockout or unanimous decision.

Álvarez’s contract also benefits the growth and exposure of boxing in Mexico and around the world, as he represents his country with pride and passion. Álvarez is widely regarded as the best Mexican boxer of all time and one of the most inspiring athletes in the world.

8. Mookie Betts – $365 million

Mookie Betts is an American baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a right fielder, the position that requires the strongest arm and the most range in the outfield. He is widely considered as one of the best baseball players in the world, and the best player of his generation. He has won two World Series, the most prestigious trophy in the sport, and one American League MVP award.

Betts signed a 12-year contract extension with the Dodgers in 2020, worth $365 million in total. This contract made him the third highest paid baseball player in the world, and the eighth highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Betts’ annual salary of $30.4 million is also the third highest in MLB, and more than the average salary of $31.3 million in the sport in 2023.

Betts’ contract reflects his talent and value to the Dodgers, the team he helped to win their first World Series title in 32 years in 2020. Betts is an all-around player who excels in hitting, fielding, baserunning, and leadership. He has also won five Gold Glove awards, four Silver Slugger awards, and three All-Star selections.

Betts’ contract also enhances the popularity and competitiveness of baseball in the United States and around the world, as he attracts millions of fans and media attention with his dynamic plays and personality. Betts is widely regarded as the face of MLB and one of the most entertaining athletes in the world.

9. Aaron Judge – $360 million

Aaron Judge is an American baseball player who plays for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a right fielder, the position that requires the strongest arm and the most range in the outfield. He is widely considered as one of the best baseball players in the world, and the best power hitter of his generation. He has won one World Series, the most prestigious trophy in the sport, and one American League Rookie of the Year award.

Judge signed a nine-year contract extension with the Yankees in 2023, worth $360 million in total. This contract made him the fourth highest paid baseball player in the world, and the ninth highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Judge’s annual salary of $40 million is also the fourth highest in MLB, and more than the average salary of $31.3 million in the sport in 2023.

Judge’s contract reflects his potential and importance to the Yankees, the most successful and valuable franchise in baseball history. Judge is a towering figure who stands at 6 feet 7 inches and weighs 282 pounds. He has a prodigious swing that can hit home runs over 500 feet, and a cannon arm that can throw over 100 miles per hour.

Judge’s contract also boosts the popularity and prestige of baseball in the United States and around the world, as he represents the Yankees with pride and passion. Judge is widely regarded as the best home run hitter of all time and one of the most admired athletes in the world.

10. Manny Machado – $350 million

Manny Machado is a Dominican-American baseball player who plays for the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a third baseman, the position that requires the quickest reflexes and the strongest arm in the infield. He is widely considered as one of the best baseball players in the world, and the best defensive player of his generation. He has won two Gold Glove awards, the most prestigious individual honor for fielding, and four All-Star selections.

Machado signed an 11-year contract with the Padres in 2023, worth $350 million in total. This contract made him the fifth highest paid baseball player in the world, and the tenth highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. Machado’s annual salary of $31.8 million is also the fifth highest in MLB, and more than the average salary of $31.3 million in the sport in 2023.

Machado’s contract reflects his skill and impact on the Padres, the team he joined in 2019 and helped to reach the playoffs for the first time in 14 years in 2020. Machado is a versatile player who can play both third base and shortstop, and hit for both power and average. He has also won two Platinum Glove awards, the award for the best overall fielder in each league.

Machado’s contract also increases the visibility and attractiveness of baseball in the Dominican Republic and around the world, as he showcases his talent and flair on the field. Machado is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and flashy players in the world and one of the most influential athletes in the world.

Conclusion

These are the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever signed as of 2023, based on the total value of the contract. These contracts reflect the incredible achievements and abilities of these athletes, as well as the immense popularity and profitability of their sports. These contracts also have a significant impact on the performance, success, and popularity of their teams, leagues, and countries.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

1. Q: Who is the highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports? A: Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB, is the highest paid athlete in the history of professional sports. He signed a 10-year contract worth $700 million with the Dodgers in 2023, making him the first athlete to earn more than half a billion dollars in a single contract.
2. Q: Which sport offers the most lucrative contracts to its players? A: Baseball, the most popular sport in the United States and Japan, offers the most lucrative contracts to its players. Seven of the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever belong to baseball players, and the average salary of MLB players in 2023 is $31.3 million, the highest among all major sports leagues in the world.
3. Q: Which country has the most athletes in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever? A: The United States, the most powerful and wealthy country in the world, has the most athletes in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever. Four of the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever belong to American athletes, and three of them play for American teams. The United States also has the most developed and diverse sports industry in the world, with many professional leagues and sports franchises.
4. Q: Which team has the most players in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever? A: The Los Angeles Dodgers, the most successful and valuable baseball franchise in the world, has the most players in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever. Three of the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever belong to Dodgers players, and two of them are the highest paid players in their respective sports. The Dodgers also have the highest payroll and revenue in MLB, and have won seven World Series titles, the second most in baseball history.
5. Q: Which player has the most trophies and awards in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever? A: Lionel Messi, an Argentine soccer player who plays for FC Barcelona in La Liga, has the most trophies and awards in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever. He has won six Ballon d’Or awards, the most prestigious individual honor in soccer, and 34 trophies with Barcelona, including 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. He is widely considered as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and the best player of his generation.
6. Q: Which player has the most records and milestones in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever? A: Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese soccer player who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Professional League, has the most records and milestones in the top 10 biggest sports contracts ever. He has scored over 800 goals for club and country, the most in soccer history, and holds the record for the most goals and assists in UEFA Champions League history. He is widely considered as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and the main rival of Lionel Messi.