Professional athletes continue to earn staggering amounts through contracts, endorsements, and business ventures. As of 2025, the top 10 highest-paid athletes earned between $85.6 million and $285 million. These elite sports figures dominate various fields, including soccer, basketball, golf, and American football. Let’s take a closer look at the top earners in 2025.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: $285 Million
Soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list, earning a massive $285 million in 2025. His contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr brings in approximately $200 million per year. Additionally, Ronaldo generates $65 million off the field through endorsements with brands such as Nike, Herbalife, and his own CR7 brand, which includes apparel and fragrances.
2. Jon Rahm: $218 Million
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm follows closely with $218 million in earnings. After leaving the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, Rahm signed a contract worth over $350 million. He earned $198 million on the field in 2024, along with $20 million from sponsorships and business ventures.
3. Lionel Messi: $135 Million
Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi secured $135 million in 2025, earning $65 million with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami and an additional $70 million from endorsements. Messi’s sponsors include Adidas, Pepsi, Apple, and Lowe’s, alongside revenue from his clothing brand and real estate portfolio.
4. LeBron James: $128.7 Million
NBA superstar LeBron James continues his financial dominance with $128.7 million in earnings. His salary with the Los Angeles Lakers accounts for $48.7 million, while another $80 million comes from endorsements and business deals. LeBron’s partnerships with Nike, DraftKings, and PepsiCo contribute significantly to his wealth.
5. Neymar: $110 Million
Brazilian soccer player Neymar made $110 million, with $80 million from his contract with Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal and $30 million from brand endorsements. His sponsorships include Puma, Red Bull, Qatar Airways, and Skims.
6. Stephen Curry: $105.8 Million
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry earned a total of $105.8 million, comprising a $55.8 million salary and $50 million in off-court deals. His businesses include the Curry Brand, a production company, and a liquor brand.
7. Karim Benzema: $104 Million
French soccer star Karim Benzema amassed $104 million, largely from his $100 million salary with Al Ittihad. His sponsorship deal with Adidas contributes an additional $4 million to his income.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo: $93.8 Million
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo earned $93.8 million in 2025. His NBA salary accounts for $48.8 million, while $45 million comes from endorsements with Nike, Google, PepsiCo, and Amazon. He also launched a production company, Improbable Media.
9. Kylian Mbappé: $90 Million
French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé brought in $90 million, with $70 million from his contract with Real Madrid and $20 million from endorsements with brands like Nike and Hublot. He also owns a production company, Zebra Valley, which partners with the NBA.
10. Jared Goff: $85.6 Million
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff closes the top 10 list with $85.6 million. His four-year, $212 million contract brings in an average annual salary of $53 million. Goff also earns from endorsements with Netflix, Ford, Old Spice, and his JG16 clothing brand.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest-paid athlete in 2025, with earnings of $285 million. The list includes global superstars from soccer, basketball, golf, and American football, all leveraging their athletic skills and business acumen to maximize their income. These athletes continue to set new financial benchmarks, proving that sports remain one of the most lucrative industries in the world.
Leave a Reply