TOP 10 RICHEST ATHLETES IN THE WORLD (2025)

In 2025, sports and business go hand in hand,Today’s top athletes are more than competitors, they’re global brands, investors, and influencers commanding massive paychecks on and off the field. Forbes’ 2025 rankings reveal how footballers, boxers, golfers, and even baseball stars are cashing in like never before. From Saudi league paydays to endorsement mega deals, these are the top 10 richest athletes in the world right now, each pulling in over $100 million in a single year.

1. CRISTIANO RONALDO – $275 million

Cristiano Ronaldo sits comfortably at the top of the earnings mountain. Still playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the 40-year-old earns around $200 million+ from football contracts, match bonuses, and image rights. The rest of his income roughly $75 million comes from mega endorsement deals (Nike, Binance, Herbalife), his CR7 brand, and a powerful social media presence with over 600 million Instagram followers. Even at the tail end of his career, Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down on the pitch or in the bank.

2. STEPHEN CURRY – $156 million

Steph Curry remains the golden boy of basketball. His NBA salary is around $53 million, but that’s just the start. His Curry Brand with Under Armour, equity stakes, documentaries, and partnerships with Chase, Subway, and Callaway push his total earnings to over $150 million. Curry has also positioned himself as a smart investor and business leader, building a brand that lives beyond basketball. In 2025, he’s more than just a shooter, he’s also a CEO in sneakers.

3. JON RAHM – $150 million

Golf’s biggest headline came when Jon Rahm jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. The Spanish star signed a deal reportedly worth over $100 million, with performance bonuses and tournament appearances pushing his total 2025 earnings to $150 million. Off the course, Rahm maintains partnerships with Callaway, Rolex, and Mercedes-Benz. He may not always be in the spotlight like Tiger Woods, but Rahm’s talent and quiet consistency have made him one of the sport’s richest athletes.

4. TYSON FURY – $146 million

The Gypsy King has turned boxing into a business empire. In 2025, Tyson Fury secured enormous payouts from mega-fights against the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Francis Ngannou. He made over $100 million from two fights alone, with endorsements and TV appearances bringing in the rest. Fury’s charisma, trash talk, and heavyweight success make him a promoter’s dream. Whether in the ring or behind a mic, he’s a showstopper and one of the highest-paid athletes on the planet.

5. DAK PRESCOTT – $137 million

Quarterback Dak Prescott shocked many by becoming the NFL’s top earner in 2025. He pulled in around $97 million in salary and signing bonuses alone, after restructuring his deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Off the field, endorsements from Nike, Sleep Number, Beats by Dre, and more added roughly $40 million to his total. Prescott has quietly built himself into a football superstar and financial heavyweight, all while flying under the radar compared to flashier names.

6. LIONEL MESSI – $135 million

Messi’s move to Inter Miami wasn’t just about football, it was a masterclass in business. With $50 million in salary and bonuses, plus unique deals with Apple TV, Adidas, and a share of MLS revenue, Messi’s 2025 earnings stay elite. His massive Instagram following, lifestyle brand, and media appearances round up his income to $135 million. He might be playing in the U.S., but his earning power remains global.

7. LEBRON JAMES – $128 million

LeBron James continues to score off the court. The NBA icon earns around $47 million in salary from the Lakers, but the real magic is in his business portfolio. He made over $80 million from SpringHill Company, Lobos tequila, investments in Fenway Sports, and major brand deals like Nike and AT&T. Nearing 40, LeBron is more focused on empire-building than just basketball and the money keeps rolling in.

8. KYLIAN MBAPPÉ – $120 million

Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé is one of the most talked-about players in the world. His new deal reportedly pays over $80 million/year, with bonuses, image rights, and loyalty payments stacked on top. Mbappé also makes an estimated $40 million from endorsements with Nike, Dior, Hublot, and Oakley. Still just 26, he’s already a global brand and possibly football’s next billionaire in the making.

9. JUAN SOTO – $114 million

Baseball’s newest financial juggernaut, Juan Soto signed a historic deal with the New York Yankees that will pay him over $100 million annually, including bonuses and incentives. At just 26, the Dominican outfielder is now one of MLB’s most marketable stars. Endorsements and licensing deals bring his total 2025 earnings to $114 million. He’s become the face of baseball's new generation and he's getting paid like it.

10. KARIM BENZEMA – $106 million

Though he’s winding down his career in Saudi Arabia, Benzema is still bagging cash. His Al-Ittihad contract brought in $80 million+ in base salary, with performance bonuses and massive off-field perks. With additional earnings from Adidas and other brand deals, his total for 2025 hit $106 million. Benzema may not be in Europe anymore, but he’s still cashing Champions League level cheques.

From the boxing ring to the baseball diamond, from American football fields to Saudi stadiums ,athletes today are raking in wealth like never before. While legends like Ronaldo and Messi still top the charts, new faces like Juan Soto and Dak Prescott are proving that massive earnings aren't limited to football and basketball anymore. The 2025 sports economy is booming and these 10 athletes are leading the charge, one million at a time.