By 2025, the world of sports will have earned billions of dollars, and the shift in the monetisation of the talent and brand of sportspeople can be described as a seismic one. Be it the football leagues like oil-rich places or the billion-dollar endorsement portfolio of the world's top sports stars, the world is cashing in more than ever before. The combination of on-field salaries and bonuses and off-field commercial arrangements presented in the latest Forbes ranking results gives an indication of how lucrative the convergence of sports and media and global power can be.
This is an in-depth rundown of the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world of 2025 and how they got rich, retrieved their money, and what makes them distinct top earners in the present-day competitive sporting world.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - $260 Million
- Sport: Football
- Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Pro League)
- On-Field Earnings: $200 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $60 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list for the fourth time in his career, and by a wide margin. At 40, the Portuguese superstar continues to redefine longevity in football. His blockbuster deal with Al-Nassr, signed in late 2022, pays him over $200 million per year, including commercial incentives and image rights.
Beyond football, Ronaldo remains an endorsement kingpin. His CR7 brand includes fragrances, hotels, fitness chains, and eyewear, while partnerships with Nike, Binance, Herbalife, and others continue to bring in tens of millions. With over 630 million followers across social platforms, he is also one of the most influential digital personalities globally.
2. Jon Rahm - $218 Million
- Sport: Golf
- Tour: LIV Golf
- On-Field Earnings: $198 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $20 Million
Jon Rahm made headlines when he left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in late 2024. His defection to the Saudi-funded league came with a reported $300 million signing package, making him one of the highest-paid golfers in history. In 2025 alone, Rahm has earned nearly $200 million, largely from upfront payments and tournament bonuses.
Off the course, Rahm has secured endorsements with Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, Callaway Golf, and Santander, pushing his off-field earnings significantly. He’s become the face of LIV’s attempt to modernise the game and appeal to younger, global audiences.
3. Lionel Messi - $135 Million
- Sport: Football
- Club: Inter Miami (MLS)
- On-Field Earnings: $65 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $70 Million
Messi’s move to Inter Miami wasn’t just a transfer; it was a cultural event. The Argentine legend brought international attention to Major League Soccer, with Apple TV’s MLS deal (which Messi gets a revenue cut from) skyrocketing in value since his arrival.
Messi’s off-field empire is unmatched, with Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, and Gatorade among his long-time sponsors. He also co-owns multiple restaurants, hotels, and has stakes in Apple, MLS Pass and Fanatics. Messi remains the most valuable athlete in the Americas, both in terms of revenue and cultural capital.
4. LeBron James - $128.2 Million
- Sport: Basketball
- Team: Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- On-Field Earnings: $48.2 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $80 Million
LeBron James, now 40, is as dominant in business as he is in basketball. His NBA salary is the highest in league history, but that’s just the beginning. LeBron’s business empire includes SpringHill Entertainment, Fenway Sports Group ownership, and real estate investments.
He remains a brand ambassador for Nike (lifetime deal), Beats by Dre, PepsiCo, AT&T, and more. In 2025, he became the first active NBA player to cross $1 billion in career earnings. As he nears retirement, his media ventures and investments are expected to outshine his playing career.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo - $111 Million
- Sport: Basketball
- Team: Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
- On-Field Earnings: $46 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $65 Million
Giannis continues to grow beyond the hardwood. In 2025, he signed lucrative new sponsorship deals with WhatsApp, Google Pixel, and expanded his relationship with Nike through his signature Zoom Freak shoe line.
He’s invested in MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers, launched a nutrition line, and co-founded a sports management agency. Known for his humility and work ethic, the Greek Freak’s story from Nigerian immigrant to NBA MVP resonates with brands across continents.
6. Kylian Mbappé - $110 Million
- Sport: Football
- Club: Real Madrid (2025 Move)
- On-Field Earnings: $90 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $20 Million
Mbappé’s long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid finally materialised in 2025 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended. His signing bonus and base salary at Madrid, combined with performance-based incentives, make him the highest-paid player in Europe.
Off the pitch, he’s the face of brands like Nike, Hublot, Dior, and EA Sports. Mbappé has also launched his own production company and charity foundation, further expanding his footprint beyond football.
7. Neymar Jr. - $108 Million
- Sport: Football
- Club: Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League)
- On-Field Earnings: $80 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $28 Million
Though injuries have hampered his playtime, Neymar remains a marketing powerhouse. His transfer to Al-Hilal fetched one of the richest contracts in sports history, with a reported $100 million annual package including luxury perks like private jets, mansions, and performance bonuses.
His endorsements include Puma, Red Bull, Triller, and Turma da Mônica (Brazilian animation). Neymar is also an investor in eSports and NFTs, targeting Gen Z audiences globally.
8. Karim Benzema - $106 Million
- Sport: Football
- Club: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)
- On-Field Earnings: $100 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $6 Million
Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in 2023, instantly becoming one of the top-paid players in the Middle East. Though quieter in the endorsement game, his massive salary alone secures his position among the world’s top earners.
Benzema has launched a fragrance brand and occasionally collaborates with Adidas, but his wealth remains rooted in football contracts.
9. Stephen Curry - $102 Million
- Sport: Basketball
- Team: Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- On-Field Earnings: $52 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $50 Million
Curry’s impact on basketball and branding is revolutionary. His deal with Under Armour, including ownership of his Curry Brand, pays him tens of millions. Off-court, he’s active in media production, VC funding, and philanthropy.
In 2025, he was named the most influential athlete among Gen Z in North America. He’s also expanded into tech startups and streaming platforms with his company Unanimous Media.
10. Lamar Jackson - $100 Million
- Sport: American Football
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
- On-Field Earnings: $98 Million
- Off-Field Earnings: $2 Million
Jackson made history with a five-year, $260 million contract extension, becoming the highest-paid NFL player this year. While his commercial presence is relatively low compared to others on this list, his historic contract and bonuses earned in 2025 alone put him in the top 10.
His endorsements include Oakley, StatusPro VR, and Oikos Yoghurt, with a focus on aligning with authentic, purpose-driven brands.
Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Badminton Players of All Time | 2025 List
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
