Jon Rahm signed a huge deal with LIV Golf for over $300 million, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world.
The rebel tour supported by Saudi Arabia has signed up many famous players, like Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, since it started in 2021. But getting Rahm to join is probably their most important achievement.
The Spaniard is the current winner of the Masters and is currently ranked third in the world. He helped Europe win the Ryder Cup this year with Rory McIlroy, but now it’s unclear if he can play in 2025.
Rahm has talked openly about not liking LIV in the past. He said in August that he never liked the league’s format. He changed his mind about supporting the PGA Tour by making a deal for the 2024 season.
When he joined LIV, the two-time major champion became the world’s highest-paid athlete, making more money than Cristiano Ronaldo, who also signed a big contract with the Gulf state.
He will make more money than Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi who recently signed big contracts with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He will make at least four times as much.
Rahm has made more than $50 million in prize money from playing golf in his whole career and $15 million in just the past year.
Top 5 athletes who earn the most money in 2023, as reported by Forbes.
1. Jon Rahm, a professional golfer, has a net worth of $300 million.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, a football player, makes $136 million.
3. Lionel Messi, a soccer player, earned $130 million.
4. Kylian Mbappe, a football player, is worth $120 million.
5. LeBron James made $119. 5 million from playing basketball.
“The game of golf has changed a lot in the past two years and I have seen LIV Golf grow and become more innovative,” the 29-year-old said when announcing the move to Fox News.
That’s why I came here today. I made this decision for a lot of reasons and because I thought it was the best choice for me. I think it’s a really good offer, but I just want to make sure you understand.
I have been really happy, but there are many things that LIV Golf has that are very attractive. It was an amazing deal. The money is really good, it’s fantastic.
I’m telling the truth when I say I don’t play golf for the money. I love playing golf because I really enjoy the game.
‘But, as a husband, father, and family man, I have a responsibility to provide the best opportunities and resources for my family. ‘
The golfer who has won major tournaments two times is leaving at a very important time during the talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The Tour and PIF, who fund LIV and Newcastle United, surprised everyone by saying they might join together as one company. They hope to make a deal by the end of the year.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the chairman of PIF, was going to meet with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for important discussions next week. But, the signing of Rahm to LIV could make it uncertain if they can make a deal.