Highest Paid Athletes: Sports and money go hand in hand, and every year, the biggest names in athletics earn mind-blowing amounts. The highest paid athletes in 2025 have taken things to a whole new level, pulling in huge paychecks from salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
Many people are curious about who is making the most money this year. Some athletes have continued their dominance, while others have climbed the rankings with massive new deals. In this article, we will break down the top earners, where their money comes from, and what makes them so valuable.
Who is the Highest Paid Athlete in 2025?
The title of the highest paid athlete in 2025 goes to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese football star has continued to secure big contracts, including a record-breaking deal with Al Nassr. His earnings come from his salary, endorsements, and other business interests.
Ronaldo’s earnings in 2025 are estimated at $250 million, keeping him at the top of the list. His brand power, social media following, and ability to attract sponsorships make him a financial powerhouse.
List of the Highest Paid Athletes in 2025
Here are the top earners in the sports world this year:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $250 Million
The football icon remains at the peak of the earnings list. His contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, along with endorsement deals from Nike, Clear, and Herbalife, ensures he takes home massive amounts yearly.
Apart from football, Ronaldo has invested in his CR7 brand, which includes clothing, hotels, and fragrances. His social media presence also helps him secure lucrative advertising deals.
2. Lionel Messi – $200 Million
Messi continues to be a money magnet, with his earnings coming from his time in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, endorsements, and his partnership with Adidas. His move to the U.S. has opened more business opportunities, making him one of the top earners once again.
Messi also has deals with Pepsi, Mastercard, and Saudi tourism, contributing to his wealth. Even at this stage of his career, he remains one of the most marketable athletes globally.
3. Kylian Mbappe – $180 Million
The French footballer’s earnings have skyrocketed after securing a record-breaking contract with Real Madrid. His new deal, combined with his endorsements from Nike and Hublot, puts him among the highest paid athletes of the year.
Mbappe’s rising global influence and young age mean he is set to make even more money in the coming years. He is seen as the next big name in football marketing.
4. LeBron James – $150 Million
LeBron remains one of the biggest names in basketball and sports business. His salary from the Los Angeles Lakers, combined with endorsement deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, and Pepsi, keeps him among the highest earners.
LeBron has also expanded his wealth through investments in media, entertainment, and even sports team ownership. His smart financial decisions ensure his earnings remain high even beyond basketball.
5. Canelo Alvarez – $140 Million
The Mexican boxing champion continues to rake in money from his fights and sponsorship deals. Alvarez’s fight purses are among the highest in boxing, and his partnerships with brands like Hennessy and Under Armour add to his earnings.
Boxing has always been a sport where top fighters make serious money, and Alvarez is currently the biggest name in the business.
6. Neymar Jr. – $130 Million
Neymar’s move to the Saudi Pro League has boosted his earnings. His contract with Al Hilal is one of the most lucrative in football history. Combined with endorsements from Puma and Red Bull, he remains a top earner.
Despite injuries affecting his playing time, Neymar’s global appeal ensures he continues to cash in.
7. Stephen Curry – $125 Million
The Golden State Warriors star remains one of the highest earners in the NBA. His salary, combined with endorsements from brands like Under Armour, Rakuten, and Subway, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.
Curry’s influence on basketball and his business ventures ensure he continues to make millions yearly.
8. Kevin Durant – $110 Million
Durant’s earnings come from his NBA contract, sponsorships, and smart business investments. He has partnerships with Nike, Coinbase, and Google, making him one of the top earners in basketball.
Apart from playing, Durant has invested in tech start-ups, media companies, and even a Major League Soccer team.
9. Tiger Woods – $105 Million
Golf legend Tiger Woods still makes huge money despite playing fewer tournaments. His endorsement deals with Nike, Rolex, and Bridgestone continue to pay him millions.
Even though injuries have slowed him down, Woods remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
10. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $100 Million
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is one of the highest paid players in the NBA. His massive contract and endorsements with Nike, JBL, and WhatsApp put him among the top earners.
Giannis’ global appeal, especially in Africa and Europe, ensures he remains a valuable marketing asset.
Highest Paid Athletes: Notable Newcomers & Rising Stars
Some young athletes are making their way into the big leagues, signing huge contracts and securing endorsement deals. These rising stars are expected to dominate in the coming years.
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian football sensation is quickly becoming one of the highest paid players. His contract with Manchester City, along with sponsorships from Nike and Hyperice, has made him a top earner. Haaland’s goal-scoring ability and growing global fan base suggest his earnings will continue to rise.
Victor Wembanyama
The young NBA star is already a major attraction. With a huge rookie contract and endorsement deals with major brands, Wembanyama is set to become one of the highest earners in basketball. His unique playing style and potential make him a key marketing figure.
Carlos Alcaraz
The Spanish tennis prodigy is following in the footsteps of legends like Rafael Nadal. With Grand Slam wins and new sponsorships, Alcaraz is one of the fastest-rising athletes in the world. His earnings from prize money and endorsements are growing steadily.
Highest Paid Athletes: How Do They Make Their Money?
Most of these athletes earn from multiple sources, including:
- Salaries and Winnings: Their main source of income comes from playing their sports. Footballers, basketball players, and boxers earn huge salaries and prize money.
- Endorsements: Many of them sign sponsorship deals with brands, bringing in millions. Companies like Nike, Adidas, and Pepsi pay athletes to promote their products.
- Business Ventures: Some athletes invest in businesses, from clothing brands to restaurants and tech start-ups.
- Media and Entertainment: Stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant have entered the film and television industry, boosting their income.
Why Do Brands Pay Athletes So Much?
Brands invest in athletes because of their influence. A single post from Cristiano Ronaldo can reach millions of fans, making him an attractive option for advertisers. These stars bring massive exposure to brands, increasing sales and market value.
Frequently Asked Questions: Highest Paid Athletes
Who is the highest-paid athlete in the world?
The highest-paid athlete changes every year. In 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo was the highest-paid athlete, earning over $260 million from football and endorsements.
How do athletes make so much money?
Athletes make money from salaries, bonuses, and prize money. They also earn from sponsorships, brand deals, and business investments.
Which sport pays the most money?
Sports like football (soccer), basketball, boxing, and golf pay the most. Footballers like Ronaldo and Messi, and basketball players like LeBron James, earn huge salaries.
Do female athletes make as much as male athletes?
No, most female athletes earn less than male athletes. However, stars like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams make millions from tennis and endorsements.
Which country has the richest athletes?
The USA has many of the richest athletes because of big sports like basketball, American football, and baseball. Other countries like Portugal, Argentina, and the UK also have top-earning athletes.
To Finish Up…Highest Paid Athletes
The highest paid athletes in 2025 continue to show that sports and business go hand in hand. From football to basketball and boxing, these stars are not just making history on the field but also securing their financial future.
As long as sports continue to attract millions of fans worldwide, these athletes will keep earning huge amounts. Their talent, brand appeal, and smart financial decisions ensure they remain among the richest in the world.