Rory McIlroy Ireland's highest-earning sports star as he makes world top 10 list alongside LeBron James and Ronaldo

Rory McIlroy has suffered several agonising near misses this year. The Holywood man's second place finish at the US Open was probably his most high-profile as he let a lead slip on the back nine of the final round.

It the past month he has also missed out on top spot at the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship. Despite falling at the the final hurdle in a number of competitions McIlroy's consistency with his finishes means his prize money has continued to rack up in 2024.

Research conducted by Online Betting Guide shows the Northern Irishman has won over €31.7m so far on the course this season but perhaps staggeringly he has earned even more off if. That all adds up to make McIlroy the highest earning sports star to ever come from this island.

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It is believed McIlroy earns roughly $40-50 million per year from tournament winnings and endorsements, but primarily from endorsements.

Now OLBG have sourced the off-field earnings of the biggest sports stars of the last year to reveal the athletes making the most money from business ventures and endorsements.

According to the report Basketball star LeBron James leads the way with over £60.5m in off-field earnings which combined with his on-field earnings take him to £97m.

Lionel Messi was second with nearly £53m in off-field earnings over £7m more than Cristiano Ronaldo in fourth.

Rory McIlroy is the only British sports star to feature in the top 10 as he finished ahead of Neymar on £34m off-field earnings to take him to over £60m in combined earnings.

His earnings stem from lucrative endorsements with brands such as Nike and TaylorMade, as well as his own clothing line and golf course design ventures.

LeBron James, with a net worth of $1 billion, ranks 1st among the top 50 athletes for off-field earnings in 2024, having earned approximately £60m from endorsements with Nike, PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, and Walmart, along with his lucrative lifetime Nike deal. His various business ventures further enhance his off-court income.

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