Rahm Surpasses Ronaldo and Messi

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has secured a staggering £476 million contract with LIV Golf, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world. This deal puts him ahead of football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in terms of earnings.

A Change of Heart for Rahm

Despite previously stating his loyalty to the PGA Tour, Rahm, 29, has reversed his decision and signed with LIV. Currently ranked No.3 in the world and the reigning Masters champion, Rahm's new contract is three times larger than what LIV paid Phil Mickelson 18 months ago.

Record-Breaking Earnings

If Rahm participates in LIV's 14 events in 2024, where the top prize exceeds £3 million each, he could potentially earn more than half a billion from his new employers by next year. This massive payday will far surpass the earnings of other elite athletes in various sports.

Ryder Cup Eligibility in Question

As a result of his contract with LIV, Rahm's eligibility for the Ryder Cup may come under scrutiny. Captain Luke Donald's hopes of retaining the title in 2025 could be dealt a blow if Rahm is unable to participate.

Newcastle United Chairman Makes a Splash

The timing of Rahm's switch to LIV is a major victory for Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Newcastle United. Al-Rumayyan, who also oversees the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund that funds LIV, is set to meet with PGA Tour officials to discuss a potential merger.

LIV Golf's Willingness to Spend

Rahm's high-profile signing serves as a reminder that LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, is not afraid to continue making substantial financial investments to achieve its goals.