Richest athletes in the world 2025 In the world of sports, awards and other recognition are frequently given to athletes for their accomplishments, but athletes’ financial success is also noteworthy. In addition to being the best in their respective sports, the world’s wealthiest sportsmen also command enormous sums of money via endorsement deals, competition prizes, and commercial endeavors. Their considerable abilities, marketability, and strategic insight are demonstrated by their fortune. Being the best on the field or court is not the only path to becoming one of the wealthiest athletes.
Richest athletes in the world 2025
In addition to being the best in their respective sports, the world’s wealthiest sportsmen also command enormous sums of money via endorsement deals, competition prizes, and commercial endeavors. Their considerable abilities, marketability, and strategic insight are demonstrated by their fortune. Being the best on the field or court is not the only path to becoming one of the wealthiest athletes. It necessitates smart financial decisions, clever career management, and securing profitable sponsorships. The realm of sports is characterized not only by exceptional athletic ability but also by noteworthy financial achievement. The wealthiest athletes on the planet have made the transition from professional athletes to worldwide icons, accumulating enormous fortunes via endorsement deals, business partnerships, and astute financial choices.
Richest athletes in the world 2025 Details
Rank
|
Name
|
Sport
|
On-the-field earnings
|
Off-the-field earning |
| 1 |
Cristiano Ronaldo |
Soccer |
$200 M |
$60 M |
| 2 |
Jon Rahm |
Golf |
$198 M |
$20 M |
| 3 |
Lionel Messi |
Soccer |
$65 M |
$70 M |
| 4 |
LeBron James |
Basketball |
$48.2 M |
$80 M |
| 5 |
Giannis Antetokounmpo |
Basketball |
$46 M |
$65 M |
| 6 |
Kylian Mbappe |
Soccer |
$90 M |
$20 M |
| 7 |
Neymar |
Soccer |
$80 M |
$28 M |
| 8 |
Karima Benzema |
Soccer |
$100 M |
$6 M |
| 9 |
Stephen Curry |
Basketball |
$52 M |
$50 M |
| 10 |
Lamar Jackson |
American Football |
$98.5 M |
$ 2 M |
Wealthiest athletes in the world
Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer
For the fourth consecutive year, Portuguese football player Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world. Ronaldo has an incredible income of $260 million, of which $200 million is related to his Saudi Pro League contract with Al Nassr. His endorsement deals and large Instagram following provide him with the majority of his off-field earnings.
Jon Rahm, Golf
Appointed as the captain of LIV’s 13th team, Legion XII, this second-highest player in the golf world earns USD 350. Besides this, he also has a 25% ownership stake in the LIV. According to Golf Monthly, Jon Rahm’s estimated net worth is $100 million as of 2025. The Spaniard earned a significant amount for his golfing …
Lionel Messi, Soccer
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has landed him a lucrative endorsement arrangement with Royal Caribbean in addition to his multi-million dollar pay. In addition, he has a stunning $70 million in off-field earnings thanks to sponsors like Apple, Adidas, and Konami, among others. This has solidified his place among the highest-paid athletes on a regular basis.
LeBron James, Basketball
With four NBA titles, two Olympic medals, and the record for most points scored in NBA history, LeBron James, a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, is valued at $51.4 million, according to Spotrac. Prominently, James partnered with DraftKings in January to broaden his roster.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Basketball
In addition to his success on the court, Antetokounmp recently made his debut in January as a producer for a company in the entertainment industry. He was able to get a deal with Pepsi’s Starry soft drink in February. In addition, Antetokounmpo will likely release his sixth pair of signature trainers later this year, guaranteeing his place among the top sportsmen in terms of earnings in 2025. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated between $120 million – $140 million. Antetokounmpo is one of the most famous players .
Kalyan Mbappe, Soccer
The $1.3 billion salary Kylian Mbappé received from Paris Saint-Germain considerably increased his income. He is among the highest-paid football players in the world thanks to his revenues from a production firm that worked with the NBA and his alliances with well-known companies like Hublot, Nike, and Oakley. Kylian Mbappe has an estimated net worth of $110 million in 2025. Mbappe’s net worth in 2025 consists of earnings from his football salary, signing bonuses, and brand endorsements. He is most famous for his 2018 FIFA World Cup win with France at the age of just 19.
Neymar Jr Soccer
Neymar Jr. managed to work out a lucrative contract that includes extras like a mansion and a private plane after moving to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. In 2025, he ranked seventh among the highest-paid athletes after inking endorsement deals with Skims, Puma, and Fun Brands. His salary climbed even further as a result. What Is Neymar’s Net Worth and Salary? … Neymar is a Brazilian football (soccer) player who has a net worth of $250 million. Widely considered.
Karima Benzema, Soccer
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in 2023 after leaving Real Madrid. By displacing divisions, he became one of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2025. Karim Benzema is a French professional soccer player who has a net worth of $200 million. Recognized as one of the most prolific strikers to ever don a Real
Stephen Curry, Basketball
Earning $50 million annually outside of the court, Stephen Curry is regarde as one of the best players in NBA history. He recently signed a contract with Under Armour to remain retired, which includes 75 million dollars in vested stock that vests between 2029 and 2034. To further enhance the Curry Brand—which has expanded beyond its founder—De’Aaron Fox and MiLaysia Fulwiley have joined. One of the reasons Curry is one of the highest-paid athletes is his ventures into the film industry, which include a Peacock mockumentary series.
Lamar Jackson, American Football
Lamar Jackson, an NFL player who is 27 years old, is sure to be list among Forbes’ top ten highest-paid athletes in 2025. He made the list because of the $72.5 million signing bonus he received from the Baltimore Ravens the previous year. Jackson, an NFL MVP winner twice, was the quarterback who guided the Ravens to a 13-4 record and the AFC Central division title.
