In the world of sports, performance is everything — but in recent years, brand power, endorsements, and international appeal have become just as important. The highest-paid athletes of 2025 are not just elite competitors in their respective sports — they are global icons, media magnets, and marketing machines.
From football to golf, basketball to American football, these athletes dominate not just their games, but also the financial scoreboard. Based on combined income from salaries, winnings, and endorsements, here are the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes in 2025, showcasing the staggering earning power of modern-day sports stars.
1. 🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo – $260 Million (2025)
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2025, earning a staggering $260 million. Now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s on-field earnings are the highest in sports, thanks to a massive contract reportedly worth over $200 million annually, including commercial bonuses.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo remains one of the most marketable athletes in history. His endorsement deals with Nike, Binance, Herbalife, and his CR7 brand contribute massively to his income. With over 600 million followers across social media, Ronaldo continues to turn global attention into dollars.
2. 🇪🇸 Jon Rahm – $218 Million (2025)
Spanish golf sensation Jon Rahm lands in second place in 2025 with $218 million, largely driven by his shocking move to the LIV Golf tour, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. His signing bonus alone is estimated to be over $100 million, with guaranteed prize pools adding to his total earnings.
Rahm’s rise has shaken up the traditional golf landscape. Known for his powerful play and fiery competitiveness, Rahm’s commercial appeal has also grown, bringing in major endorsements from golf and lifestyle brands.
3. 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi – $135 Million (2025)
Argentinian legend Lionel Messi ranks third with $135 million in earnings. After moving to Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi has helped transform the profile of American soccer, boosting league viewership, ticket sales, and even Apple TV+ subscriptions through a revenue-sharing deal.
Messi’s off-field earnings remain among the highest in the world, thanks to partnerships with Adidas, Apple, Hard Rock Cafe, and Pepsi. His global brand remains strong as ever, especially after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and continuing to influence football both on and off the field in 2025.
4. 🇺🇸 LeBron James – $128.2 Million (2025)
At age 40, LeBron James is still dominating — both as an athlete and a business mogul. With total earnings of $128.2 million in 2025, he is the highest-paid basketball player this year.
Although nearing the end of his NBA career, LeBron continues to earn massive amounts through endorsements, production company SpringHill, his investments, and his lifetime deal with Nike. As a billionaire athlete, LeBron is setting a new standard for post-playing career planning.
5. 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111 Million (2025)
Greek basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks fifth, bringing in $111 million in 2025. A dominant force in the NBA, his new contract extension and global appeal have elevated his financial profile significantly.
Endorsements from brands like Nike, JBL, WhatsApp, and his own signature shoe line have played a major role in boosting his off-court income. Giannis’ story — from poverty in Athens to MVP in the NBA — continues to inspire fans and brands alike.
6. 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé – $110 Million (2025)
French football phenom Kylian Mbappé earns $110 million in 2025, thanks to his enormous salary and bonuses, along with a growing portfolio of endorsements. After years with Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé’s future has been under constant speculation, especially regarding a possible move to Real Madrid.
Brands like Nike, Hublot, and Oakley have capitalized on his global popularity. At just 26 years old, Mbappé is already a World Cup winner and one of the most valuable athletes in the world.
7. 🇧🇷 Neymar – $108 Million (2025)
Brazilian star Neymar earns $108 million in 2025, making him one of the highest-paid footballers once again. His move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia came with a hefty contract, rumored to include private jets, luxury housing, and an annual salary over $80 million.
Despite injuries and media controversies, Neymar remains a fan favorite across Latin America and Asia, with endorsements from Puma, Red Bull, and Netflix (with whom he has multiple content deals).
8. 🇫🇷 Karim Benzema – $106 Million (2025)
Karim Benzema, now playing in Saudi Arabia, takes the 8th spot with $106 million in total earnings in 2025. The former Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid in 2023 and signed one of the biggest football contracts in history with Al-Ittihad.
In addition to his salary, Benzema earns through endorsements and personal branding ventures. Though he keeps a lower media profile, his presence in the Saudi Pro League has expanded his commercial value in the Middle East and Asia.
9. 🇺🇸 Stephen Curry – $102 Million (2025)
NBA superstar Stephen Curry remains a top earner with $102 million in 2025. The Golden State Warriors guard continues to shine both on the court and in the business world.
Off the court, Curry has lucrative deals with Under Armour (including equity in the brand), Chase, and Callaway Golf. He’s also invested in startups, launched his own media company, and expanded his philanthropic work, making him one of the most balanced athlete-entrepreneurs today.
10. 🇺🇸 Lamar Jackson – $100.5 Million (2025)
NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson makes his debut in the top 10 with $100.5 million in earnings in 2025. After negotiating a massive contract with the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson secured a record-breaking salary, along with major bonuses and guarantees.
His unique playing style and influence in pop culture have attracted sponsorships from brands like Oakley, Beats by Dre, and various tech companies. Jackson represents a new generation of NFL players who are both elite athletes and marketable stars.
🔚 Conclusion: The New Face of Sports Wealth in 2025
The list of the highest-paid athletes in 2025 shows how much the sports world has changed — both in terms of geography and income sources. Athletes are no longer just relying on their team salaries or prize money. I
