In the competitive world of sports, earnings are now as important as performance, and in 2024, athletes reached new financial milestones. Beyond game results, big contracts, sponsorship deals, and business ventures have turned elite athletes into global icons, shaping not just sports but also economies.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the top spot as the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2025, earning a staggering $260 million. The Portuguese forward’s career took a new turn with a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia, showcasing that his market value goes far beyond football. His significant salary with Al Nassr and partnerships with brands like Nike and Binance have cemented his commercial dominance.
Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, continues to be one of the most financially successful athletes. While he ranks third on the list, his influence on and off the field remains substantial, driving massive growth for his new club and securing lucrative endorsement deals.
Basketball superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry have also maintained their positions as major earners. LeBron, at 40 years old, is now the highest-paid player in NBA history, while Curry continues to expand his business empire, making waves with investments in various ventures and a new deal with Under Armour.
The world’s top 10 highest-paid athletes earned a combined $1.38 billion in 2024, a 24% increase from the previous year. Their earnings reflect a shift in how sports stars leverage their brand and influence in global markets.
Here are the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world for 2025:
-
Lamar Jackson
Jackson made headlines with his self-negotiated, record-breaking contract with the Baltimore Ravens, which included a $72.5 million signing bonus. His total income exceeded $100 million in 2024, further boosted by partnerships with Oakley, StatusPro, and his fashion brand, Era 8. -
Stephen Curry
Curry’s accomplishments on the court continue to shine. In 2024, he hit 357 three-pointers and won Olympic gold. Off the court, he secured a lifetime deal with Under Armour and invested in the new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled. -
Karim Benzema
Benzema made a splash with his $106 million earnings in 2024, bolstered by a lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad. His endorsement deals with brands like EA Sports and Adidas also contributed significantly to his wealth. -
Neymar
Despite spending much of 2024 sidelined by injury, Neymar’s earnings remained strong. His move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia brought immense financial rewards, complemented by business ventures like a deal with Skims and the launch of his own mocktail brand. -
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé’s $110 million earnings come from both his football career and his growing business empire, which includes a production company and high-profile endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Oakley. -
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The NBA star earned $111 million in 2024, with $65 million from endorsement deals alone. Despite an injury and early playoff exit, Giannis launched his production company and debuted his latest Nike shoe. -
LeBron James
James secured a two-year, $97 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024, cementing his status as the highest-paid player in NBA history. His gold medal at the Paris Olympics further solidified his legacy. -
Lionel Messi
Messi’s move to Inter Miami has proven profitable for both him and the club. His impact has driven up the club’s value, while his endorsement deals with Adidas, Apple, and Konami contribute significantly to his wealth. -
Jon Rahm
Golfer Jon Rahm ranks second with earnings driven by his $350 million deal with LIV Golf. His involvement with the league’s team, Legion XIII, adds further financial success. -
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s $260 million earnings top the list. His high-paying contract with Al Nassr and his powerful presence on social media have led to successful partnerships with global brands, making him the world’s highest-paid athlete.
These athletes are not only masters of their respective sports but have also become savvy businesspeople, proving that the intersection of sports and commerce can lead to immense financial success.
Related topics:
