In 2025, the world’s top athletes are not just breaking records on the field but also in their bank accounts, with the top 10 earning a record $1.38 billion combined, a 24% increase from 2024, per Forbes, Web ID:0, 1, 11. Leading the pack is Cristiano Ronaldo at $260 million, followed by Jon Rahm, Lionel Messi, and seven others, per Web ID:19, 23. These athletes—Cristiano Ronaldo ($260m), Jon Rahm ($218m), Lionel Messi ($135m), LeBron James ($128.2m), Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111m), Kylian Mbappé ($110m), Neymar ($108m), Karim Benzema ($106m), Stephen Curry ($102m), and Lamar Jackson ($100.5m)—dominate soccer, basketball, golf, and football, per Web ID:14, 22. This article explores their earnings, influence, and engagement opportunities for 2025.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 Million)
Cristiano Ronaldo, topping the 2025 list for the third consecutive year, earns $260 million, with $200 million from Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League contract and $60 million from endorsements like Nike and Binance, per Web ID:11, 13, 19. His 939 million social media followers boost his value, per Web ID:17. Follow via alnassr.sa in 2025 to watch his matches. Challenge: Lack of major trophies in Saudi Arabia, per Web ID:17.
2. Jon Rahm ($218 Million)
Jon Rahm, second, earns $218 million, driven by a $350 million LIV Golf deal and $6.6 million in 2025 tournament winnings, per Web ID:9, 11. His Legion XIII team ownership adds equity, per Web ID:19. Visit via livgolf.com for summer 2025 to see him compete. Challenge: Fan backlash from PGA Tour exit, per Web ID:11.
3. Lionel Messi ($135 Million)
Lionel Messi, third, earns $135 million, with $60 million from Inter Miami and $75 million from endorsements like Adidas, per Web ID:11, 22. His 2025 MLS impact boosts Inter Miami’s valuation to $1 billion, per Web ID:9. Book via mlssoccer.com for fall 2025 to watch games. Challenge: Maintaining relevance in MLS, per Web ID:22.
4. LeBron James ($128.2 Million)
LeBron James, fourth, earns $128.2 million, including $48.2 million from the Lakers and $80 million from Nike and PepsiCo, per Web ID:6, 11. His 2025 Olympic gold adds to his legacy, per Web ID:9. Engage via nba.com for spring 2025 to attend Lakers games. Challenge: Aging performance, per Web ID:4.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111 Million)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, fifth, earns $111 million, with $46 million from the Bucks and $65 million from endorsements, per Web ID:11. His 2025 supermax deal secures future earnings, per Web ID:3. Visit via nba.com for summer 2025 to watch Milwaukee games. Challenge: Expanding off-field ventures, per Web ID:11.
6. Kylian Mbappé ($110 Million)
Kylian Mbappé, sixth, earns $110 million, primarily from Paris Saint-Germain, with $20 million in endorsements, per Web ID:11. His 2025 transfer rumors fuel global interest, per Web ID:6. Follow via psg.fr for fall 2025 to see matches. Challenge: Balancing club and national duties, per Web ID:11.
7. Neymar ($108 Million)
Neymar, seventh, earns $108 million, with $80 million from Al-Hilal and $28 million from Puma and Red Bull, despite injuries, per Web ID:11, 14. His 2025 Skims partnership boosts his brand, per Web ID:9. Visit via alhilal.com for spring 2025. Challenge: Injury recovery, per Web ID:12.
8. Karim Benzema ($106 Million)
Karim Benzema, eighth, earns $106 million, with $100 million from Al-Ittihad and $6 million from Adidas, per Web ID:11, 14. His 2025 Ballon d’Or legacy enhances his value, per Web ID:9. Engage via alittihad.club for summer 2025. Challenge: Adapting to Saudi League, per Web ID:14.
9. Stephen Curry ($102 Million)
Stephen Curry, ninth, earns $102 million, with $52 million from the Warriors and $50 million from Under Armour, per Web ID:11, 14. His 2025 4,000 three-pointer milestone drives fame, per Web ID:13. Book via nba.com for fall 2025 to watch games. Challenge: Sustaining endorsement growth, per Web ID:6.
10. Lamar Jackson ($100.5 Million)
Lamar Jackson, tenth, earns $100.5 million, with $98.5 million from the Ravens’ $72.5 million signing bonus and $2 million from Oakley, per Web ID:12, 14. His 2025 NFL leadership shines, per Web ID:14. Visit via baltimoreravens.com for spring 2025. Challenge: Building off-field portfolio, per Web ID:12.
Why These Athletes Excel
Forbes’ 2025 list, tracking earnings from May 2024 to May 2025, highlights soccer’s dominance (four entries) and Saudi Arabia’s influence, with Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema benefiting from lucrative contracts, per Web ID:0, 11, 22. Basketball (three) and football (one) reflect high NBA and NFL salaries, per Web ID:3. Challenges include injuries (Neymar) and market transitions (Rahm), but endorsements add $6–$80 million per athlete, per Web ID:6, 11.
Ranking Methodology
Forbes’ 2025 rankings use data from May 2024–2025, including salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, verified by Capology and Spotrac, per Web ID:15. Earnings ($100.5–$260 million) exclude taxes and fees, with 20,000+ industry inputs, per Web ID:0, 1. Ronaldo’s $260 million and Rahm’s $218 million set records, per Web ID:19.
Key Features of Earnings
- Salaries: Ronaldo’s $200 million and Rahm’s $350 million LIV deal lead, per Web ID:11, 19.
- Endorsements: Messi’s $75 million and James’ $80 million dominate, per Web ID:6, 11.
- Market Impact: Messi’s MLS valuation and Ronaldo’s 939 million followers boost brands, per Web ID:9, 17.
- Contracts: Jackson’s $72.5 million bonus and Curry’s $62.6 million extension shine, per Web ID:10, 12.
- Innovation: Neymar’s Skims and Curry’s sports drink ventures diversify income, per Web ID:9.
Critical Perspective
Forbes’ focus on financial metrics may undervalue athletes like Serena Williams, absent due to lower 2025 earnings, despite her legacy, per Web ID:8. Saudi Arabia’s heavy presence (three soccer players) reflects financial power but raises questions about sporting merit, per Web ID:11. Still, $1.38 billion combined earnings and 4.5–4.8/5 fan ratings validate their dominance, per Web ID:0, 3.
Tips for Fans and Stakeholders
- Attend Games: Book via nba.com or alnassr.sa for 2025 matches, saving 10% early, per Web ID:3.
- Follow Off-Peak: Visit in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) 2025 for events, per Web ID:2.
- Engage Online: Track Ronaldo on Instagram or Rahm on livgolf.com, per Web ID:17.
- Use Apps: Download ESPN for 2025 game schedules, per Web ID:17.
- Explore Brands: Support Messi’s Adidas or Curry’s Under Armour products, per Web ID:6.
Conclusion
In 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jon Rahm, Lionel Messi, and seven others lead as the highest-paid athletes, earning $100.5–$260 million, per Forbes, Web ID:0, 11. Their salaries, endorsements, and market impact redefine sports economics. Fans can engage through games, online platforms, and brand partnerships to celebrate these icons in 2025.
