Jon Rahm is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, and he can thank his massive contract with LIV Golf for that.

Rahm appeared on Forbes list of highest-paid athletes for the year, becoming one of six golfers to make the elusive list:

Jon Rahm has been named 2nd in Forbes’ Highest Paid Athletes list following his move to LIV Golf last year. The two-time Major champion is said to have earned $218m between May 1, 2023 – May 1, 2024 pic.twitter.com/8mFMj8kGd6

— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) May 22, 2024

According to an article by Golf Monthly, Rahm’s decision to move to LIV Golf resulted in his earning $218 million between May 1st, 2023, and May 1st, 2024.

Five other golfers made the top 50 FORBES list, with Cristiano Ronaldo out in front with $260m in earnings during this time period due to his staggering earnings with the Saudi Arabian soccer club Al Nassr.

Rahm’s off-course earnings were valued at $20m, with $198m related to play. His alleged signing fee for LIV was upwards of $350m. This can assume half of that was paid upfront. He showed no interest in moving to LIV in its early years, and it was reported that his move was done to bridge the gap between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Instead, Rahm’s form has dipped after a disappointing Masters title defense and a missed cut at the PGA Championship in Valhalla. The merger talks are further away now than ever.

For context, Rory McIlroy was 19th on the Forbes list, with earnings of $80.1m during the last twelve months. Rahm is far and away the top-earning golfer on the LIV Tour, with eye-watering figures matched by very few across the globe.

Cover Image via Fox Business