The Top 10 Biggest Sports Contracts Ever Signed.
Big contracts get a lot of attention. But some deals tower over the rest. Here’s a clear ranking of the 10 largest guaranteed contracts in professional sports history, measured by total value at signing.
You’ll see how the numbers compare and who actually holds the record for the biggest payday.
#10 Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels
12 years - $430 million
Once believed to be the largest contract in sports, Trout’s deal averages about $36 million per year. Despite his individual success—seven All-Star appearances and two MVP awards—the Angels have seen little playoff success. Trout's contract set a new standard for baseball salaries when signed in 2019.
#9 Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad Club
2 years - $436 million
Karim Benzema’s Saudi Arabian deal is short but pays huge yearly figures. At roughly $214.5 million per year, it matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s average salary and ranks as the highest annual average in sports history. This includes base pay and commercial incentives.
#8 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays
14 years - $500 million
Signed in 2025, Guerrero’s contract extension secures one of baseball’s top hitters through his age-39 season. Though the headline number is lower than some, the deal is arguably richer in real dollars due to less deferred pay than comparable deals.
#7 Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
10 years - $503 million
Patrick Mahomes set a new NFL record with this 2020 deal. It includes $477 million guaranteed and a $140 million injury clause. Mahomes’ contract was the first in sports history to pass half a billion dollars.
#6 Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr
2.5 years - $536 million
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2022 Saudi contract stunned the football world. While base pay is $75 million annually, bonuses and endorsements push his yearly earnings above $200 million. This short-term deal highlights his immense global market value.
#5 Neymar – Paris Saint-Germain
6 years - $595 million
Neymar’s 2017 contract with PSG followed a record $263 million transfer fee. The deal made him one of the richest footballers ever and reshaped the economics of player transfers in the sport.
#4 Lionel Messi – FC Barcelona
4 years - $674 million
Leaked in 2021, Lionel Messi’s 2017 contract shocked the sports world. His package included salary, image rights, and bonuses, averaging $168.5 million per year. It held the richest contract record until recently.
#3 Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain
3 years - $681 million
Kylian Mbappé’s 2022 extension with PSG included a $180 million signing bonus. At $227 million per year, this short contract ranks among the most lucrative ever, reflecting his status as one of football’s top stars.
#2 Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers
10 years - $700 million
Shohei Ohtani’s 2023 contract set a new baseball record. His $70 million annual salary nearly doubles what he earned previously. Ohtani’s rare talent as a pitcher and hitter made him one of the most sought-after players.
#1 Juan Soto – New York Mets
15 years - $765 million
Signed in 2024, Juan Soto’s massive deal tops the list. It locks him in through age 40 and resets the benchmark for long-term contracts in baseball. Soto’s consistent elite play and postseason success justified the record-breaking deal.
Final Thoughts
These contracts reflect how professional sports value top talent. From long-term security to short, high-paying deals, the landscape is changing fast. For fans, these deals show who the true game-changers are — the athletes teams bet on to lead and win.
As the market evolves, expect new records. But for now, Juan Soto’s $765 million contract stands as the biggest ever.
