The sports world has never been more lucrative than it is today. Athletes are not just players anymore – they’re global brands, business moguls, and entertainment superstars all rolled into one.
The world’s 10 highest-paid athletes in 2025 have collectively earned over $1.5 billion, showing just how much money flows through professional sports.
What makes these athletes so wealthy? It’s not just their salaries from playing sports. The real money comes from endorsement deals, business investments, social media presence, and brand partnerships.
These athletes have learned to turn their fame into long-term wealth that goes far beyond their playing careers.
From soccer legends earning hundreds of millions in Saudi Arabia to basketball stars building media empires, the list of World’s Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025 represents a new era of athlete entrepreneurship.
These sports stars have mastered the art of making money both on and off the field, court, or ring.
Contents
- 1 World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025
- 1.1 Top 10 World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025
- 1.2 The King of Sports Earnings
- 1.3 Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 Million
- 1.4 The Basketball Business Elite
- 1.5 Stephen Curry – $156 Million
- 1.6 LeBron James – $133.8 Million
- 1.7 Kevin Durant – $101.4 Million
- 1.8 Giannis Antetokounmpo – $94.4 Million
- 1.9 Combat Sports Champions
- 1.10 Tyson Fury – $146 Million
- 1.11 Oleksandr Usyk – $101 Million
- 1.12 Football and Baseball Stars
- 1.13 Dak Prescott – $137 Million
- 1.14 Juan Soto – $114 Million
- 1.15 Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 Million
- 1.16 Deshaun Watson – $91.8 Million
- 1.17 Soccer Superstars Beyond Ronaldo
- 1.18 Lionel Messi – $135 Million
- 1.19 Karim Benzema – $104 Million
- 1.20 Golf’s Money Makers
- 1.21 Jon Rahm – $100 Million
- 1.22 Scottie Scheffler – $92.5 Million
- 1.23 Key Trends in Athlete Earnings
- 1.24 The Saudi Arabia Effect
- 1.25 Brand Building Beyond Sports
- 1.26 Endorsement Evolution
- 1.27 Frequently Asked Questions
- 1.28 Conclusion
- 1.29 Authority Resources for Sports Finance
World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025
This guide will break down exactly how much each athlete earned, where their money comes from, and what makes them so valuable to sponsors and fans worldwide.
You’ll discover the business strategies that separate the highest earners from regular professional athletes.
Top 10 World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Country | Total Earnings | On-Field | Off-Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | Portugal | $275M | $225M | $50M |
| 2 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | USA | $156M | $56M | $100M |
| 3 | Tyson Fury | Boxing | UK | $146M | $140M | $6M |
| 4 | Dak Prescott | Football | USA | $137M | $127M | $10M |
| 5 | Lionel Messi | Soccer | Argentina | $135M | $60M | $75M |
| 6 | LeBron James | Basketball | USA | $133.8M | $48.8M | $85M |
| 7 | Juan Soto | Baseball | Dominican Republic | $114M | $109M | $5M |
| 8 | Karim Benzema | Soccer | France | $104M | $100M | $4M |
| 9 | Shohei Ohtani | Baseball | Japan | $102.5M | $2.5M | $100M |
| 10 | Kevin Durant | Basketball | USA | $101.4M | $51.4M | $50M |
| 11 | Oleksandr Usyk | Boxing | Ukraine | $101M | $100M | $1M |
| 12 | Jon Rahm | Golf | Spain | $100M | $90M | $10M |
| 13 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Basketball | Greece | $94.4M | $49.4M | $45M |
| 14 | Scottie Scheffler | Golf | USA | $92.5M | $62.5M | $30M |
| 15 | Deshaun Watson | Football | USA | $91.8M | $90.8M | $1M |
The King of Sports Earnings
Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025 for the third straight year. His $275 million earnings show why he’s considered the ultimate sports businessman.
How Ronaldo Makes His Money:
- $225 million from Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia club)
- $50 million from sponsorships and business ventures
- YouTube channel with over 75 million subscribers
- Production company partnership with “Kingsman” director Matthew Vaughn
Ronaldo has successfully transformed from a soccer player into a global entertainment brand. His move to Saudi Arabia wasn’t just about football – it was a strategic business decision that has paid off enormously.
The Basketball Business Elite
Stephen Curry – $156 Million
Stephen Curry proves that smart business moves can equal on-court success. His $156 million total includes an impressive $100 million from off-court activities.
Curry’s Income Sources:
- Under Armour Curry Brand extension (major portion)
- Investment portfolio in startups and women’s sports
- Assistant GM role at Davidson College
- Hydration startup investments
Curry shows how athletes can use their platform to build lasting business relationships and create wealth beyond their playing careers.
LeBron James – $133.8 Million
After two decades in the NBA, LeBron James continues breaking records both on and off the court. His $133.8 million earnings come from diverse sources.
LeBron’s Business Empire:
- $48.8 million Lakers salary
- SpringHill production company major merger
- First athlete Ken doll deal
- Media and entertainment ventures
Kevin Durant – $101.4 Million
Kevin Durant earned $101.4 million despite his team missing the playoffs, proving that business success doesn’t always depend on sports success.
Durant’s Revenue Streams:
- $51.4 million Phoenix Suns salary
- Boardroom Media company
- Paris Saint-Germain investment
- Netflix docuseries deal
- Tequila brand and real estate
Giannis Antetokounmpo – $94.4 Million
The “Greek Freak” earned $94.4 million through smart branding and global appeal.
Giannis Income Breakdown:
- $49.4 million Milwaukee Bucks salary
- $45 million from Nike partnership and endorsements
- Disney film about his family’s story
- Global storytelling initiatives
Combat Sports Champions
Tyson Fury – $146 Million
Tyson Fury earned $146 million despite losing two fights to Oleksandr Usyk, showing how valuable boxing remains for top fighters.
Fury’s Earnings Strategy:
- $140 million from Saudi-backed boxing events
- Netflix series “At Home With the Furys”
- Entertainment ventures beyond boxing
Oleksandr Usyk – $101 Million
Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk made $101 million primarily from his victories over Tyson Fury, becoming one of boxing’s biggest draws.
Football and Baseball Stars
Dak Prescott – $137 Million
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made history with his contract structure, earning $137 million in one year.
Prescott’s Financial Strategy:
- $127 million in salary and bonuses within 12 months
- Jordan Brand endorsement deal
- Lowe’s partnership
- Crunch Fitness gym empire in Texas
Juan Soto – $114 Million
Juan Soto broke baseball records with his 15-year, $765 million New York Mets contract, earning $114 million this year.
Soto’s Revenue Sources:
- $109 million from his Mets contract
- Call of Duty endorsement
- Dominican brand partnerships
- Ticket sales surge impact
Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 Million
Shohei Ohtani earned $102.5 million, with most coming from endorsements rather than his deferred Dodgers salary.
Ohtani’s Unique Model:
- $2.5 million current Dodgers earnings
- $100 million from endorsement deals
- New Balance, Seiko, Beats by Dre partnerships
- Record-breaking Topps trading card sales
Deshaun Watson – $91.8 Million
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson earned $91.8 million from his guaranteed contract structure.
Soccer Superstars Beyond Ronaldo
Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Lionel Messi transformed Major League Soccer with his Inter Miami move, earning $135 million total.
Messi’s Revenue Breakdown:
- $60 million Inter Miami salary
- $75 million from Adidas, Apple, and Mas+ beverage
- Global brand impact on MLS
Karim Benzema – $104 Million
French striker Karim Benzema earned $104 million following his move to Al-Ittihad.
Golf’s Money Makers
Jon Rahm – $100 Million
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm earned $100 million after his controversial move to LIV Golf.
Rahm’s Golf Strategy:
- $90 million from LIV Golf deal
- $10 million traditional endorsements
- Doubled annual earnings with league switch
Scottie Scheffler – $92.5 Million
American golfer Scottie Scheffler earned $92.5 million through consistent tournament success.
Scheffler’s Success Formula:
- $62.5 million tournament winnings
- $30 million endorsements (Titleist, TaylorMade, Rolex)
- Minimalist lifestyle despite wealth
Key Trends in Athlete Earnings
The Saudi Arabia Effect
Many of the highest-earning athletes have moved to Saudi Arabian leagues, which offer unprecedented salary packages:
- Soccer players like Ronaldo and Benzema
- Boxers fighting in Saudi-backed events
- LIV Golf attracting top players
Brand Building Beyond Sports
The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025 shows athletes are becoming multimedia brands:
- Production companies (LeBron, Ronaldo)
- Social media empires (Ronaldo’s YouTube)
- Investment portfolios (Curry, Durant)
- Entertainment ventures (multiple athletes)
Endorsement Evolution
Modern athlete endorsements go beyond traditional sports brands:
- Technology companies (Apple, Beats)
- Lifestyle brands (beverage companies)
- Financial services partnerships
- Media and streaming deals
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do athletes make money outside of their sport?
Athletes earn money through endorsement deals, business investments, social media partnerships, merchandise sales, and entertainment ventures. Many also start their own companies or invest in startups.
- Why are Saudi Arabian leagues paying so much?
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sports as part of their Vision 2030 plan to diversify their economy and improve their global image. They’re using sports to attract international attention and tourism.
- Do athletes keep all their earnings?
No, athletes must pay taxes, agent fees (typically 3-10%), management fees, and other expenses. The amounts listed are gross earnings before these deductions.
- Which sport pays athletes the most?
Currently, soccer and basketball dominate the highest earnings, followed by boxing, American football, and baseball. However, this varies by individual athlete and their business ventures.
- How important are social media followers for athlete earnings?
Very important. Athletes with large social media followings can command higher endorsement fees and create direct revenue streams through sponsored content and their own products.
- Do female athletes appear on highest-paid lists?
Female athletes typically earn less than male athletes, though stars like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have appeared on top-earning lists in previous years. The pay gap remains significant in professional sports.
- How do deferred contracts work?
Some athletes, like Shohei Ohtani, agree to receive much of their salary later to help their teams manage current payroll. This can affect their current year earnings but provides long-term financial security.
- What happens to athlete earnings after retirement?
Smart athletes use their playing career earnings to build business empires, investment portfolios, and brand partnerships that continue generating income long after they stop playing.
Conclusion
The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025 reveals a fundamental shift in how professional athletes approach their careers.
These sports stars have evolved from simply playing their games to becoming sophisticated business operators who leverage their fame into multiple revenue streams.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking $275 million earnings demonstrate the power of combining athletic excellence with smart business decisions.
His success, along with athletes like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, shows that the biggest earners are those who think beyond their sport.
The influence of Saudi Arabian investment in sports has dramatically increased the earning potential for athletes willing to move to new leagues.
Meanwhile, traditional sports markets continue offering massive contracts, as seen with Juan Soto’s historic baseball deal.
Key takeaways from this year’s list include:
- Business ventures often outpay sports salaries
- Global brand building creates lasting wealth
- Social media presence directly impacts earning potential
- Strategic career moves can multiply income
- Endorsement diversity reduces financial risk
For aspiring athletes, these examples show that athletic talent alone isn’t enough to reach the top earning tier.
The most successful athletes combine sports excellence with business acumen, personal branding, and strategic partnerships.
The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes List 2025 represents more than just big numbers – it shows how sports have become a launching pad for building global business empires that can last long after the final whistle blows.
Authority Resources for Sports Finance
For more information about athlete earnings and sports business:
- Forbes – Annual athlete earnings lists and sports business coverage
- Sports Business Journal – Industry analysis and trends
- Athletic – In-depth sports journalism and business reporting
- Bloomberg Sports – Financial analysis of sports deals
- Match Timeline – An Athlete’s Bible
