From Juan Soto to Cristiano Ronaldo: Top 5 biggest contracts in professional sports history

From Juan Soto’s jaw-dropping MLB deal to Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-setting Saudi contract, professional sports have entered a new era of financial magnitude. Soto signed a staggering 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets in late 2024, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in baseball history.

Close behind, Shohei Ohtani shocked the sports world with a 10-year, $700 million agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers - the largest contract ever by total value at the time of signing, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, leads in annual earnings. His contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr reportedly brings in over $220 million per year, including endorsements, setting a new standard in global football.


Here, we rank the top five biggest contracts in sports history, based on total value at signing - regardless of whether the full amount was ultimately earned or if the player remains with the original team.

TOP FIVE BIGGEST SPORTS DEALS OF ALL TIME

1. Juan Soto (New York Mets) $765 million - 15 years

Soto signed a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets in late 2024, setting a new benchmark for long-term deals in baseball. The record-shattering extension secures the 26-year-old slugger through his age-40 season and surpasses the previous high set by Shohei Ohtani in 2023. Renowned for his exceptional plate discipline, power, and clutch postseason performances, Soto's deal reflects both his generational talent and the escalating market value of MLB superstars.

2. Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers) $700 million - 10 years

On December 9, 2023, Ohtani made history by signing an unbelievable 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the highest-paid player in baseball history. The landmark deal eclipsed the previous record held by Mike Trout, whose 12-year, $426 million contract with the Angels had long stood as MLB’s richest. Ohtani's new contract carries an average annual value of $70 million - nearly doubling the $42.3 million he earned with the Angels.

Renowned for his unprecedented ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter, Ohtani was the most sought-after free agent on the market. He drew strong interest from several top contenders, including the Angels, Mets, and Yankees. Ultimately, the two-way superstar opted to stay in Los Angeles, joining the Dodgers and redefining the financial ceiling for professional athletes.

3. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) $681 million - 3 years

Mbappe signed a record-breaking three-year contract extension in 2022 with PSG worth an estimated $681 million, placing it among the most lucrative deals in sports history. The agreement featured a staggering $180 million signing bonus and a massive annual salary, solidifying Mbappe’s status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

His decision to remain at PSG came amid intense interest from top European clubs, most notably Real Madrid. Choosing loyalty over a high-profile move, Mbappe reaffirmed his commitment to PSG’s ambitious project and long-term vision. The historic deal not only showcased the club’s financial muscle but also highlighted Mbappe’s value as a global superstar both on and off the pitch.

4. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) $674 million – 4 years

Messi signed a staggering four-year contract in 2017 with FC Barcelona valued at $674 million, making it the most lucrative sports deal in history at the time. The contract sent shockwaves across the sports world and ignited widespread debate about financial inequality and the sustainability of football’s economic model.

The deal included a fixed salary, image rights, and a range of performance-based bonuses, contributing to Messi's immense earnings. On average, the Argentine superstar earned $168.5 million per year, highlighting not only his unmatched value on the pitch but also his global commercial appeal.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) $620 million – 2 years

Ronaldo, 40, signed a stunning two-year contract extension with Al Nassr in June 2025, valued at $620 million - cementing its place among the richest deals in sports history. The agreement includes a base salary of $224 million per year, along with a signing bonus, performance and commercial incentives, a 15% ownership stake in the club, private jet access, and full-time staff coverage.

While the base package alone is extraordinary, projections indicate the total value could soar to $936 million if all bonuses and sponsorship clauses are triggered. Even at its conservative estimate, the deal sets a new benchmark, with an average annual value of $310 million - now the highest in professional sports history.