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Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes Globally In 2025 According To Forbes
The global sports industry continues to be a goldmine, with athletes across various disciplines earning staggering sums both on and off the field. According to Forbes, the ten highest-paid athletes collectively raked in an unprecedented $1.38 billion before taxes and agent fees in 2025. Their incomes reflect not just their on-field exploits but also their savvy commercial ventures and endorsement deals. Here's a detailed look at these sports stars:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - $260 Million
Sport: Football
Ronaldo leads the pack thanks to his lucrative deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and high-profile endorsements with brands like Nike. His massive social media following further cements his position as a commercial powerhouse.
2. Jon Rahm - $218 Million
Sport: Golf
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm's move to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Tour significantly boosted his earnings. This move propelled him to second place on the list, as the tour offers astronomical paychecks alongside performance bonuses.
3. Lionel Messi - $135 Million
Sport: Football
Now playing for Inter Miami, Messi continues to make waves both on and off the field. A significant portion of his earnings comes from endorsements with Adidas, Apple, and Konami, proving his enduring appeal in the commercial world.
4. LeBron James - $128.2 Million
Sport: Basketball
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer remains a consistent top earner. While his Los Angeles Lakers salary contributes to his income, the bulk comes from endorsements, investments, and media ventures like his production company.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo - $111 Million
Sport: Basketball
Nicknamed the "Greek Freak," Giannis has become a global basketball icon. His earnings include a mix of NBA salaries and endorsements. In 2025, he expanded into new ventures, including launching a production company.
6. Kylian Mbappé - $110 Million
Sport: Football
Although his departure from PSG dominated headlines, Mbappé remains one of the highest-paid footballers. A substantial portion of his earnings stems from his PSG salary and endorsements, despite potential changes in his income following his move to Real Madrid.
7. Neymar Jr. - $108 Million
Sport: Football
Neymar's shift to Saudi Pro League's Al-Hilal came with a lucrative contract that included perks like a private jet and luxury cars. Although injuries limited his playing time, his brand endorsements ensured his earnings stayed robust.
8. Karim Benzema - $106 Million
Sport: Football
Another high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League saw Benzema join Al-Ittihad, dramatically increasing his salary. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner also enjoys a steady stream of endorsement deals.
9. Stephen Curry - $102 Million
Sport: Basketball
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry continues to thrive as a sharpshooter and an off-court entrepreneur. His earnings are split between NBA contracts and endorsement deals, showcasing his global appeal.
10. Lamar Jackson - $100.5 Million
Sport: American Football
As one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson's new contract with the Baltimore Ravens played a significant role in landing him on this list. His earnings include a combination of salary and endorsement deals.
Key Takeaways
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Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence: The LIV Golf Tour and Saudi Pro League have reshaped the financial landscape of sports, offering record-breaking contracts to athletes like Rahm, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema.
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Basketball’s Enduring Global Appeal: With stars like LeBron, Giannis, and Curry in the top 10, the NBA remains one of the most lucrative leagues globally.
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Football Dominance: Football claims the most representatives, underscoring its global popularity and financial muscle.
These athletes not only excel in their respective fields but also leverage their fame to build lasting legacies through endorsements, investments, and entrepreneurial ventures. Their success epitomizes the immense earning potential in sports today.
