Juan Soto has agreed a contract with the New York Mets that will reportedly see him earn $765million over the next 15 years.
It is the richest deal in professional sports history, but who else makes up the top 10?
Here, we examine the sport’s big-hitters:
Breaking: Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell @jeffpassan.
It is the largest deal in professional sports history. pic.twitter.com/JjwUbhEIpn
— ESPN (@espn) December 9, 2024
1. Juan Soto (New York Mets, baseball) – $765m over 15 years (2025-2039)
Soto will earn a staggering $980,000 a week for the next 15 years with no deferred money. There is an opt-out after five years which if not triggered will see his salary increase. The 26-year-old outfielder was the most sought-after player on the free agency market after another brilliant season with the New York Yankees.
2. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball) – $700m over 10 years (2024-2033)
Two-way star Ohtani signed his new deal last winter after proving a huge hit in MLB. Arguably the best player in baseball, Ohtani played a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series win in 2024. 97 per cent of his money is deferred for 10 years, however, lowering its realtime value.
3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona, soccer) – $674m over four years (2017-2021)
The greatest soccer player of all-time (sorry Ronaldo fans!) extended his stay at Barcelona in 2017 with a four-year deal that propelled him into this list. The Argentina captain left Camp Nou at the end of this contract and signed for Paris Saint-Germain before leaving Europe for Inter Miami in MLS.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, soccer) – $536m over two and a half years (2023-2025)
Messi’s career rival Ronaldo also decided to leave European football in the twilight of his career after a disappointing second spell at Manchester United. Instead of the United States, however, he opted for the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to score goals at a frequent rate.
5. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs, American Football) – $450m over 10 years (2020-2030)
Arguably the game’s best quarterback, Mahomes has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ period of dominance in the NFL. He has helped the team to three Super Bowl successes in five years and, aged 29, has his best years ahead of him.
6. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, soccer) – $447m over two years (2023-2025)
Former France striker Benzema is another to have traded the glitz and glamour of football in Europe for the money in Saudi Arabia. Having spent 14 hugely successful years at Real Madrid, the 36-year-old joined Pro League side Al-Ittihad in 2023.
7. Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels, baseball) – $426m over 12 years (2019-2030)
At the time of signing, Trout’s was the biggest deal in North American professional sports history. The outfielder was a year out from free agency but decided to remain in Anaheim. Has been plagued by injuries in recent years.
8. Canelo Alvarez (DAZN, boxing) – $365m over five years (2018-2023)
Different to the other deals on this list in that Alvarez signed with subscription broadcaster DAZN rather than a team. The Mexican has held multiple world championships in four weight classes.
8. Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball) – $365m over 12 years (2021-2032)
The Dodgers’ superstar shortstop is an eight-time MLB All-Star and claimed three World Series, one with the Boston Red Sox and two in LA.
10. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees, baseball) – $360m over nine years (2023-2031)
The New York Yankees slugger formed a formidable pairing with Soto, helping the Bronx Bombers to the World Series in 2024, where they lost to Betts and the Dodgers. Judge has mashed 315 homers while wearing pinstripes.
