- Top 10 athletes earned a combined $1.4 billion from May 2024 to May 2025
- Cristiano Ronaldo led the list with $275 million—third highest ever for an active athlete
- Saudi Arabia’s sports investments influenced multiple athletes’ earnings
- Four basketball players and three soccer players made the top ten
- No female athletes entered the top 50—underscoring gender pay gaps
Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes highlights the evolving financial landscape of global sports. These ten icons combined for a record-breaking $1.4 billion in earnings over the past year, drawing revenue from team contracts, brand endorsements, and diverse entrepreneurial ventures. Below, we profile each of the top 10 stars who shaped the business of sports in 2025.
“Athletes today aren’t just sports icons—they’re entertainment empires.”
— Virginia Times Editorial
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 Million
Sport: Soccer | Age: 40 | Nationality: Portugal
On-Field: $225M | Off-Field: $50M
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Forbes’ 2025 ranking for the third year in a row and fifth time overall. His Al-Nassr FC contract in Saudi Arabia brings in $225 million, bolstered by $50 million in endorsements and ventures such as Whoop, Vista Alegre, and Bioniq. His 75 million-subscriber YouTube channel launched in August 2024 further strengthens his global reach.
2. Stephen Curry – $156 Million
Sport: Basketball | Age: 37 | Nationality: USA
On-Field: $56M | Off-Field: $100M
Stephen Curry set a new NBA earnings record, surpassing LeBron James’ 2024 total. His Under Armour stock deal alone will vest up to $75 million in the coming decade. Curry’s off-court portfolio also includes Unanimous Media, Nirvana water, and a collaboration with Michelle Obama on Plezi Hydration.
3. Tyson Fury – $146 Million
Sport: Boxing | Age: 36 | Nationality: UK
On-Field: $140M | Off-Field: $6M
Two massive fights in Saudi Arabia drove Tyson Fury’s earnings to $146 million, including $140 million from ring earnings. His Netflix series “At Home With the Furys” and Malta tourism partnership added an additional $6 million.
4. Dak Prescott – $137 Million
Sport: American Football | Age: 31 | Nationality: USA
On-Field: $127M | Off-Field: $10M
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s $80 million signing bonus and restructured salary led to record earnings. Prescott also pulled in $10 million in endorsements from Jordan Brand, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Crunch Fitness.
5. Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Sport: Soccer | Age: 37 | Nationality: Argentina
On-Field: $60M | Off-Field: $75M
Messi’s Inter Miami contract and $1B+ equity stake transformed MLS economics. He also earns from Adidas, Apple, Konami, and his ventures including Mas+ sports drink and 525 Rosario production company.
6. LeBron James – $133.8 Million
Sport: Basketball | Age: 40 | Nationality: USA
On-Field: $48.8M | Off-Field: $85M
LeBron, still dominating at 40, earns big from the Lakers and business empires like SpringHill Company and Lobos 1707 tequila. He remains one of two active athlete billionaires alongside Tiger Woods.
7. Juan Soto – $114 Million
Sport: Baseball | Age: 26 | Nationality: Dominican Republic
On-Field: $109M | Off-Field: $5M
The New York Mets star signed the richest contract in sports history—$765M over 15 years. Soto’s $5 million in endorsements includes Celsius, Call of Duty, and Dominican companies Banreservas and Presidente.
8. Karim Benzema – $104 Million
Sport: Soccer | Age: 37 | Nationality: France
On-Field: $100M | Off-Field: $4M
Playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s on-field haul hit $100 million. He’s backed by Adidas and EA Sports. Rumors point to a future MLS move ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 Million
Sport: Baseball | Age: 30 | Nationality: Japan
On-Field: $2.5M | Off-Field: $100M
Ohtani’s deferred $700M contract pays little now, but his endorsement income is unmatched. His deals with New Balance, Beats by Dre, Seiko, and more total $100 million this year alone.
10. Kevin Durant – $101.4 Million
Sport: Basketball | Age: 36 | Nationality: USA
On-Field: $51.4M | Off-Field: $50M
Durant rounds out the top ten with strong NBA pay and brand-building efforts via Boardroom, PSG ownership, and Netflix. He’s also reached 30,000 career NBA points this year.
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