Highest Paid Athletes : Who Earned the Most Money in Sports?

Professional athletes can earn extraordinary amounts of money through salaries, tournament winnings, sponsorships, advertising deals, and personal businesses. In 2025, the world’s biggest sports stars continued to demonstrate that financial success can extend far beyond the playing field.

According to Forbes’ annual ranking published in May 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo was the world’s highest-paid athlete, with estimated earnings of $275 million over the preceding 12 months. Basketball star Stephen Curry followed in second place, while boxer Tyson Fury secured the third position. The top 10 athletes collectively earned approximately $1.4 billion, making it a record-setting year for the group. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

The ranking includes athletes from several sports, including soccer, basketball, boxing, American football, and baseball. Their earnings show how elite performance, global popularity, commercial partnerships, and business opportunities can combine to create enormous incomes.

Who Are the Highest Paid Athletes in 2025?

Forbes’ 2025 ranking measures estimated earnings over a 12-month period, including money earned through sports contracts and off-field activities. The figures are estimates before taxes and agent fees, rather than exact amounts deposited into each athlete’s bank account. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0”]}/>

Here is the top 10 list published in May 2025.

Source: Forbes’ 2025 world’s highest-paid athletes ranking. Earnings are estimated U.S. dollar amounts for the 12 months covered by the report. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

One detail stands out: every athlete in the top 10 earned more than $100 million during the reporting period. Ronaldo also held a substantial lead over the second-place athlete, showing just how valuable his combination of playing income and commercial activities had become.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $275 Million

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the top position on the highest-paid athletes list for the third consecutive year and the fifth time overall, according to Forbes. His estimated $275 million in earnings placed him $119 million ahead of Stephen Curry. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search4”]}/>

Ronaldo’s financial success comes from more than his performances on the soccer field. His contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr accounts for a significant share of his income, while endorsements, investments, and personal ventures provide additional revenue.

The Portuguese superstar has built one of the most recognizable personal brands in global sports. His enormous social media audience gives companies access to millions of potential customers, making partnerships with him especially attractive.

His business activities have also extended into investments and media projects. This combination of sporting income and commercial opportunities helps explain why Ronaldo continues to dominate the earnings rankings.

Ronaldo’s position illustrates an important point about modern sports: the most financially successful athletes are not necessarily those who earn the most from competition alone. Their value to brands and audiences can be just as significant.

2. Stephen Curry — $156 Million

Stephen Curry ranked second among the highest-paid athletes in 2025, with estimated earnings of $156 million. The Golden State Warriors guard recorded a record income figure for an NBA player in Forbes’ ranking. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

Curry is widely recognized for transforming the way basketball teams approach three-point shooting. His performances, championships, and distinctive playing style have made him one of the most influential players of his generation.

His income comes from his NBA contract as well as commercial partnerships, appearances, licensing, and other business activities. Forbes estimated that Curry earned approximately $100 million from off-field activities during the reporting period, demonstrating the strength of his brand beyond basketball. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0”]}/>

Curry’s popularity reaches well beyond basketball fans. His public image, family-friendly reputation, and influence on sports culture have helped him develop a valuable commercial profile.

His earnings show how an athlete can turn success in a particular sport into opportunities across entertainment, business, and advertising.

3. Tyson Fury — $146 Million

British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury took third place with estimated earnings of $146 million. Unlike most athletes in the top 10, Fury competes in an individual sport rather than a major team league. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search1″,”turn641361search4”]}/>

Boxing offers a different financial model from sports such as basketball and baseball. A major fight can generate enormous income through event contracts, pay-per-view arrangements, promotional agreements, and commercial partnerships.

Fury’s profile has extended beyond the ring through documentaries, television appearances, and other entertainment projects. His personality and outspoken public image have helped him attract attention from audiences who may not regularly follow boxing.

His position on the list also highlights the financial potential of heavyweight boxing. Although a fighter’s income can vary substantially from one year to another, a major event can produce earnings that rival or exceed the annual income of athletes in team sports.

4. Dak Prescott — $137 Million

Dak Prescott ranked fourth with estimated earnings of $137 million. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback was the highest-ranked American football player on Forbes’ 2025 list. His reported total set a new earnings record for an NFL player in the ranking. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search4”]}/>

As quarterback for one of the most commercially recognizable teams in American football, Prescott operates in a sport where player contracts and endorsement opportunities can generate substantial income.

Quarterbacks are particularly valuable because they occupy a central role in their teams’ performance and public identity. Successful players often become prominent figures in advertising campaigns, sports coverage, and community initiatives.

Prescott’s earnings reflect the financial scale of the NFL and the commercial importance of its leading players. They also show how contract timing can affect a ranking: a player’s income in a particular year may be influenced by signing bonuses, contract structures, and other payments.

5. Lionel Messi — $135 Million

Lionel Messi placed fifth with estimated earnings of $135 million. The Argentine soccer legend remained one of the world’s most commercially valuable athletes despite finishing well behind his longtime rival Ronaldo. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

Messi’s move to Inter Miami helped increase attention toward soccer in the United States. His presence has brought global visibility to the club and the wider competition, while his international achievements continue to support his worldwide popularity.

A substantial part of Messi’s earning power comes from commercial partnerships. His association with established international brands, combined with his reputation as one of soccer’s greatest players, makes him a valuable partner for advertisers.

Messi’s career demonstrates that an athlete’s commercial appeal can remain strong even as their playing career enters a different stage. Major achievements, an established reputation, and a loyal international audience can continue to generate income for years.

6. LeBron James — $133.8 Million

LeBron James ranked sixth with estimated earnings of $133.8 million. The Los Angeles Lakers star continued to combine elite basketball income with commercial projects and investments. Forbes described the total as a personal best for James. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search4”]}/>

James has spent more than two decades building his reputation as one of basketball’s most prominent figures. His achievements on the court have helped him secure major endorsement agreements, while his interests outside the sport have expanded into media and business.

His commercial activities include entertainment projects and investments connected to the broader sports and media industries. These ventures help diversify his income beyond his playing contract.

James is also an example of the value of longevity. Remaining relevant across multiple generations of fans can help an athlete sustain endorsement opportunities long after their initial rise to fame.

7. Juan Soto — $114 Million

Baseball star Juan Soto ranked seventh with estimated earnings of $114 million. Playing as an outfielder for the New York Mets at the time of the ranking, Soto became one of the standout earners in Major League Baseball. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

Baseball contracts can involve substantial guaranteed compensation, making top players financially secure over long periods. Soto’s position reflects the scale of investment that major teams make in athletes who can contribute to their success.

His earnings also demonstrate that baseball remains an important part of the global sports economy, even though its international media profile differs from that of soccer or basketball.

As Soto’s career develops, his performance, public profile, and potential commercial partnerships will influence his future earning power.

8. Karim Benzema — $104 Million

Karim Benzema occupied eighth place with estimated earnings of $104 million. The French striker’s move to Saudi Arabia added to the growing presence of major international soccer stars in the Saudi Pro League. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

Benzema established his reputation during a highly successful career in European soccer. His achievements, including major club honors and individual recognition, helped make him one of the most respected forwards of his generation.

Playing contracts in Saudi Arabia have become a major financial factor for several prominent soccer players. These agreements can offer salaries that significantly change the global earnings rankings.

Benzema’s position highlights how changes in the international sports market can influence where athletes earn their money and which leagues attract established stars.

9. Shohei Ohtani — $102.5 Million

Shohei Ohtani ranked ninth with estimated earnings of $102.5 million. The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball star is known for his rare ability to contribute as both a pitcher and a hitter, making him one of the sport’s most distinctive players.

Ohtani’s commercial appeal is particularly noteworthy. Forbes estimated that he earned approximately $100 million from off-field activities during the reporting period, including endorsements, appearances, memorabilia, and licensing. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0”]}/>

That level of commercial income is unusual even among elite athletes. It reflects Ohtani’s popularity in both the United States and Japan, as well as the global reach of baseball.

His example shows that an athlete does not need to compete in soccer or basketball to develop a worldwide brand. Exceptional performance, international visibility, and strong commercial relationships can create significant income in other sports, too.

10. Kevin Durant — $101.4 Million

Kevin Durant completed the top 10 with estimated earnings of $101.4 million. The NBA forward has built an impressive career through his scoring ability, major achievements, and long-standing role in professional basketball. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

Durant’s income combines his playing salary with endorsements and other commercial ventures. Like several other leading basketball players, he has used his position in the sport to develop interests beyond competition.

Professional athletes increasingly explore investments, media production, and business ownership. These activities can create additional revenue and provide opportunities after retirement.

Durant’s place on the list reinforces basketball’s financial strength. Three NBA players appeared among the top 10, demonstrating how high salaries and off-court commercial deals can combine to generate enormous earnings.

How Do the Highest-Paid Athletes Make Their Money?

The world’s highest-paid athletes usually receive income from several sources. The precise balance differs from person to person, but the main categories are playing contracts, endorsements, competition earnings, and business ventures.

Salaries and Playing Contracts

For many athletes, their team or club contract provides the foundation of their income. Soccer players can sign contracts worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars over their terms. NBA and NFL stars can also receive substantial salaries, bonuses, and other contract payments.

However, headline contract values do not always represent the money earned during a single year. Contract duration, payment schedules, bonuses, and reporting methods all affect annual totals.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Brands pay athletes to promote products and services, appear in campaigns, or represent a company publicly. These deals can be particularly valuable when an athlete has a large audience and a strong reputation.

Shohei Ohtani and Stephen Curry are useful examples of athletes whose commercial income plays a major role in their total earnings. Their financial success is not limited to the money they receive from their teams. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0”]}/>

Prize Money and Major Events

In individual sports such as boxing, golf, and tennis, earnings can depend heavily on major events and prize money. A high-profile fight, championship, or tournament can produce a significant financial return.

This income can fluctuate more than a regular salary. An athlete who competes in fewer events may still earn an enormous amount if those events attract large audiences and commercial interest.

Business Ventures and Investments

Some athletes develop their own companies, invest in other businesses, or create products connected to their personal brands. These activities may generate income during their playing careers and potentially continue afterward.

Ronaldo’s investments and media ventures illustrate how athletes can expand beyond their original profession. However, business income can vary, and an investment does not guarantee a profit.

Which Sports Produce the Highest-Paid Athletes?

The 2025 list includes soccer, basketball, boxing, American football, and baseball. Each sport has a different financial structure.

Soccer benefits from a large international audience and commercial activity across many countries. Basketball combines major league contracts with global endorsement opportunities. American football has a particularly large domestic market in the United States, while boxing can produce enormous individual payouts for major fights.

Baseball also supports substantial contracts and sponsorships, particularly for players who attract international attention.

The top 10 contains three basketball players, two baseball players, two soccer players, one American football player, and one boxer, with Benzema and Ronaldo bringing soccer’s representation to two. The distribution demonstrates that major earnings are not restricted to a single sport. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search1″,”turn641361search4”]}/>

Why Do Athlete Earnings Rankings Change Every Year?

The highest-paid athletes list can change significantly from one year to the next because annual income is not the same as lifetime wealth.

A new contract may increase a player’s earnings. A major sporting event can create an unusually profitable year for a boxer. An endorsement agreement may boost an athlete’s off-field income, while an injury or retirement may reduce playing opportunities.

Exchange rates, contract structures, sponsorships, and the period covered by a ranking can also affect comparisons.

It is important to distinguish between earnings and net worth. Earnings describe money generated during a particular period, while net worth estimates the value of someone’s assets after accounting for liabilities. An athlete who earns $100 million in a year does not necessarily become $100 million wealthier, because taxes, expenses, investments, and other obligations affect their overall financial position.

Final Thoughts

The highest-paid athletes of 2025 show how professional sports have developed into a global business. Cristiano Ronaldo led the ranking with $275 million in estimated earnings, followed by Stephen Curry at $156 million and Tyson Fury at $146 million. <Cite refs={[“turn641361search0″,”turn641361search1”]}/>

Their success reflects more than performance alone. Playing contracts, endorsements, international audiences, and business activities all contribute to the financial power of modern sports stars.

From soccer and basketball to boxing and baseball, the top earners demonstrate that there are several routes to financial success in professional sports. Their stories also offer a reminder that sporting income can change from year to year, making it important to look at both the numbers and the period a ranking covers.