The World’s Top 10 Highest-Earning Athletes of 2025

Sports may be a source of entertainment, but it also represents a massive financial opportunity especially for elite athletes whose talent, consistency, and star power place them in the global spotlight. These sports icons not only earn eye-watering salaries but also build substantial personal fortunes through brand endorsements, investments, and business ventures.

According to Forbes, here are the top 10 highest-earning athletes of 2025:

10. Kevin Durant – $101.4 Million
NBA superstar Kevin Durant, of the Phoenix Suns, rounds out the list with $101.4 million in earnings. His income stems from his NBA salary, a long-running Nike sneaker deal, and equity in ventures like Boardroom and 35V. Durant also holds stakes in over 80 companies, spanning tech, crypto, and sports media, reinforcing his image as a modern athlete-entrepreneur.

9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 Million
Japanese baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani is a force on and off the field. In 2025, he earned over $50 million from endorsements—more than any MLB player ever—boosted by his status as both a pitcher and designated hitter. Ohtani represents more than 20 major brands including Seiko, Kose, and New Balance.

8. Karim Benzema – $104 Million
After departing Real Madrid, French striker Karim Benzema signed a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. His $104 million income in 2025 is bolstered by endorsements with Adidas, EA Sports, and Hyundai. His move marked another milestone in the Saudi Pro League’s rise as a football powerhouse.

7. Juan Soto – $114 Million
At just 26, Juan Soto signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets—marking the largest contract in sports history. With endorsements from Under Armour and Wilson, and investments in real estate, Soto’s 2025 earnings reached an impressive $114 million.

6. LeBron James – $133.8 Million
At 40, LeBron James continues to shine on and off the court. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer made the majority of his $133.8 million earnings from business ventures and endorsements. James co-founded the SpringHill Company and owns stakes in Blaze Pizza and Fenway Sports Group. His lifetime Nike deal remains a major revenue source.

5. Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami made headlines and boosted Major League Soccer’s visibility. In 2025, he earned $135 million, with $75 million coming from endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade. Equity arrangements with Apple and MLS further expanded his income, rewarding him per jersey and subscription sold.

4. Dak Prescott – $137 Million
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made $137 million in 2025, thanks largely to a front-loaded $240 million contract extension. Off the field, he’s diversified into business with investments in Walk-On’s restaurants, RealTruck, and GLOW Beverages.

3. Tyson Fury – $146 Million
Despite retiring from the ring, Tyson Fury remains a major draw in the boxing world. The British heavyweight earned $146 million through fights, his energy drink brand Furocity, book sales, and various media appearances. His off-ring ventures have proven nearly as profitable as his fighting career.

2. Stephen Curry – $156 Million
Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the NBA’s best shooter, is also a business powerhouse. In 2025, he earned $156 million, driven by a lifetime Under Armour deal reportedly worth over $1 billion, plus investments via SC30 Inc. His endorsement portfolio includes JPMorgan Chase and Infiniti. He also made history this year by becoming the first NBA player to hit 4,000 career 3-pointers.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with an astounding $275 million in earnings. His $200 million contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia is the highest in world football. The rest of his income comes from CR7-branded ventures, endorsement deals, investments, and his 75 million-subscriber YouTube channel. At 40, Ronaldo also became the first player in history to reach 900 official career goals.

These athletes have redefined the financial possibilities of sports. Whether through pioneering business deals, record-breaking contracts, or unmatched endorsement clout, they are as much moguls as they are competitors.