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In the past decade, the ceiling for athlete earnings has blown through the roof. The days of a simple playing contract are long gone. Now, endorsement deals, content platforms, and international investments have turned top competitors into one-man conglomerates. If you’re wondering who’s cashing the biggest cheques right now, this is the list that matters.
How These Numbers Are Calculated
We follow the same method used by Forbes and other trackers: combine on-field earnings—salaries, bonuses, prize money—with off-field income such as endorsements, merchandise royalties, and business ventures. Deferred payments, like those famously structured into Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers contract, are usually counted only when they hit the bank account. That means some megastars don’t appear as high as you’d expect, while others who signed massive upfront deals shoot up the ranks.
It’s also worth noting that these figures change almost monthly. A new sponsorship or a contract extension can shift the order. But as of the latest data, these are the seven athletes raking in the most money on the planet.
The Top 7 Highest Paid Athletes of 2025
#7 Kylian Mbappé – $105 Million
At just 26, Kylian Mbappé has already achieved more than most stars do in a lifetime. He’s won a World Cup, scored more than 300 career goals, and this year he’s settled into his dream move at Real Madrid. His signing bonus alone was eye-watering, and his base salary of around $60 million is topped up by a series of sponsorships including Nike, Dior, and EA Sports.
Mbappé’s training routine is famously intense. He credits a mix of sprint work and core-conditioning—much of which you can replicate with a good bodyweight training app—for his explosive acceleration. He might have millions in the bank, but his dedication on the pitch is what keeps the cheques rolling in.
#6 Neymar – $108 Million
Yes, Neymar is still on this list. Despite leaving European football’s spotlight for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, his earning power hasn’t faded. His contract reportedly pays him around $80 million per season, and he’s still one of the most marketable footballers on Earth. Brands like Puma, Red Bull, and Qatar Airways keep him busy off the pitch, ensuring his bank account stays as flashy as his footwork.
#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111 Million
The Greek Freak turned a 50,000-word draft-night sleep into a superstar career. His $228 million supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks was the largest in NBA history at the time, and he’s still collecting every penny. Off the court, Giannis has patch deals with Nike, WhatsApp, and Gatorade. He’s also smart with his money, investing in tech startups and real estate across the US.
#4 LeBron James – $128.2 Million
LeBron James has been near the top of this list for over a decade, and at 40, he’s still going strong. His Lakers salary is a fraction of his true income. The majority comes from a lifelong Nike contract, a stake in Fenway Sports Group, and his own media company SpringHill, which produces everything from documentaries to game shows. He’s the first NBA player to become a billionaire while still active—a feat that seemed unthinkable when he entered the league in 2003.
#3 Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 wasn’t just a footballing decision; it was a business masterclass. His base salary is dwarfed by a profit-sharing agreement with the league, plus a direct cut from Apple’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions. Endorsements from Adidas, Pepsi, and crypto platforms push his annual earnings past $100 million. Even at 37, Messi remains the face of football in the Americas.
#2 Jon Rahm – $218 Million
Golf rarely tops athlete pay charts—unless you’ve joined LIV Golf. Jon Rahm signed a staggering $300 million deal to switch to the Saudi-backed tour, which works out to roughly $198 million in guaranteed money before endorsements. His off-course income from Callaway and other partners adds another $20 million. It’s a polarising move, but there’s no denying the financial impact. Rahm now sits at number two on the planet, and he doesn’t even play in a team sport.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo – $260 Million
For the second year running, Cristiano Ronaldo tops the chart. His contract with Al Nassr pays him around $200 million annually, and that’s before you factor in a lifetime deal with Nike, his own CR7 brand, and a YouTube channel that took just days to reach tens of millions of subscribers. Ronaldo’s global appeal is unmatched: he has more Instagram followers than the population of Brazil. At 39, he’s still scoring goals—and he’s proving that an athlete’s earning power can grow as their on-field career winds down.
What’s Driving These Ridiculous Earnings?
The numbers above would have been laughable just twenty years ago. So what changed?
- Broadcast rights deals: Television and streaming companies pay insane amounts for live sports, and that cash upgrades through to player salaries.
- Saudi money: The Public Investment Fund has entered football, golf, and even F1 with untold pockets. They’re handing out contracts that no other league can match.
- Direct fan monetisation: Athletes like Ronaldo and Messi now bypass traditional media and go straight to fans through social platforms and subscription services.
- Player-owned businesses: From LeBron’s media empire to Mbappé’s early-stage investments, athletes are building portfolios beyond their sport.
- Globalisation: Stars now sell jerseys in Tokyo, football boots in Lagos, and energy drinks in São Paulo. The market for a top athlete’s name is truly worldwide.
The Growing Globalisation of Sports Talent
Many of the athletes on this list are not American. That’s a significant shift from the late 1990s, when US sports dominated the earnings list. Now, football alone gives us three of the top five earners. Even basketball is looking beyond American borders. The March Madness 2025 coverage highlighted how many elite college players now come from overseas. That influx of international talent makes the sport more popular globally, which in turn drives up television rights and player salaries. The cycle feeds itself.
The globalisation isn’t just about athletes moving between leagues; it’s about entire sports expanding their footprint. Just look at the rise of Middle Eastern investment in European football and the growing appeal of niche endurance events. As fans, we’re consuming sports from everywhere, and the money is following our eyeballs.
Planning for Life After the Spotlight
For all the eye-watering figures, it’s worth remembering that a professional sports career is short. Even the luckiest athletes are usually retired from their prime by their mid-30s. That’s why so many of them are now focused on building generational wealth, not just a nest egg. LeBron has his production company. Ronaldo owns a chain of hotels. Neymar invests in gaming. It’s wise thinking, because the physical body only lasts so long.
Injuries are a constant threat. A single tackle could end a career that took 20 years to build. Sometimes the body gives up long before the mind does. Health issues or a disability may force you to retire early, whether you’re a superstar or a weekend jogger. That’s why financial planning is so important for athletes—and honestly, you don’t need to be earning $100 million to think about it. Having insurance, savings, and a backup plan should be a priority at any income level.
Even for those who eventually leave the sport, many are finding new roles as broadcasters, coaches, or entrepreneurs. The smart ones start preparing while they’re still playing. It’s not just about the next contract; it’s about the life after the final whistle.
The race for the top spot is only going to get tighter as new leagues and media platforms continue to throw money at talent. But for now, these seven athletes stand alone at the summit—and their numbers are just one part of the story.
