Here are the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world as of 2025
Professional athletes make millions on and off the field through lucrative endorsements, brand partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Some of the highest-paid athletes made between $85.6 million to $285 million as of 2025.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world as of 2025, earning an estimated total of $285 million from soccer and his other business ventures.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo: $285 Million
Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world.

Ronaldo earns an estimated $200 million annually under his current contract with Saudi Arabian soccer team Al Nassr, which expires in 2025.
He earned an estimated $220 million on the field in 2024 and $65 million off the field.
And his brand partnerships with companies are lucrative. The brands include Herbalife, his own CR7 brand that includes apparel, fragrances, and more, and a lifetime deal with Nike.

2. Jon Rahm: $218 Million
Jon Rahm of Spain reacts after an eagle on the 16th hole during the first round of the World Golf Championships - Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 3, 2017 in Akron, Ohio.
Pro golfer Jon Rahm made an estimated total of $218 million in 2024. Rahm left the PGA tour in 2023 to join rival LIV Golf League for a multiyear contract worth over $350 million. Rahm earned $198 million in 2024 on the field and $20 million off the field in 2024. Rahm is the captain of his Saudi-backed LIV Golf League team, Legion XIII, and has a stake in the team.


3. Lionel Messi: $135 Million
Lionel Messi of Argentina greets the fans prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Soccer legend Lionel Messi made a total of $135 million in 2024, earning $65 million on the field with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, and $70 million off the field through his various sponsorship deals and businesses.
Messi has brand partnerships with companies including Pepsi, Adidas, Apple, and Lowes, among others.
He also has his own brand of clothing, and an extensive real estate portfolio worth millions.

4. LeBron James: $128.7 Million
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

NBA All-Star LeBron James, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, is earning $48.7 million in salary for the 2024-25 season.
LeBron James is currently the highest-paid NBA player, and became the NBA's first active player to become a billionaire in

James is also earning an estimated $80 million off the court in endorsements, licensing, and business ventures. James' brand endorsements include Nike, DraftKings, PepsiCo, and more.


5. Neymar: $110 Million
Neymar of Al-Hilal reacts with an injury during the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al-Hilal and Esteghlal at Kingdom Arena on November 04, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Brazilian soccer player Neymar made an estimated $110 million in 2024, earning $80 million on the field with Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal, and $30 million off the field in endorsements and sponsorships. The soccer superstar also has partnerships with brands including Puma, Skims, Red Bull, Blaze Casino, Qatar Airways, and more.


6. Stephen Curry: $105.8 Million
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 09, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

NBA champion Stephen Curry earned an estimated $105.8 million in 2024, earning $55.8 million as the superstar point guard for the Golden State Warriors, and another $50 million off the court.
Curry's partnerships and businesses include his sneaker and athletic wear company, Curry Brand, a production company, and a liquor brand.


7. Karim Benzema: $104 Million
Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad with the ball during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad v Al Qadsiah FC at King Abdullah Sports City on October 19, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

French soccer player Karim Benzema earned $104 million in 2024, earning $100 million on the field and $4 million off the field.
Benzema has a sponsorship deal with Adidas.


8. Giannis Antetokuonmpo: $93.8 Million
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 10, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.

NBA player Giannis Antetokuonmpo earned $93.8 million in 2024.
Antetokuonmpo earned $48.8 million as a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, and $45 million off the court. Antetokuonmpo has deals with brands such as Nike, Google, PepsiCo, and Amazon, and he launched his own production company, Improbable Media.


9. Kylian Mbappé: $90 Million
Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final match between Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca at King Abdullah Sports City on January 9, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

French soccer star Kylian Mbappé earned an estimated $90 million in 2024, earning $70 million from playing on Real Madrid, and $20 million off the field from endorsements and other ventures.

Mbappé's brand partnerships include Nike and Hublot, and his own production company, Zebra Valley, which is partnered with the NBA.


10. Jared Goff: $85.6 Million
Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 5, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff earned an estimated $85.6 million in 2024.
Goff signed a four-year contract worth $212 million with the Lions, and earns an average annual salary of $53 million.
Goff's brand deals include Netflix, Ford, Old Spice, Jared Jewelers, and has his own line of clothing, JG16.
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