Ronaldo, Rahm, Messi: Top 10 highest paid athletes in 2025
Portugal and Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo tops the chart for highest paid athletes in the world. Photo Credit- Sky Sports
In 2025, the financial landscape of professional sports has reached unprecedented heights, with athletes across various sports type securing huge earnings. This exponential increase in income is attributed not only to lucrative contracts but also to expansive endorsement deals and personal business ventures. This piece is set to explore the ten highest-paid athletes in the world as of 2025, exploring their earnings and the factors contributing to their financial success.
Cristiano Ronaldo – $285 Million
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with an astounding $285 million in earnings. His contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr contributes $200 million annually, reflecting the significant investments Middle Eastern corporations and government agencies are making in global sports. Off the field, Ronaldo’s income is bolstered by $65 million from endorsements and his CR7-branded businesses, including clothes and deodorants.
Jon Rahm – $218 Million
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has seen his earnings skyrocket to $218 million, largely due to his multiyear contract with the LIV Golf League, reportedly worth over $350 million. In 2024 alone, Rahm earned $198 million on the course and an additional $20 million from endorsements. His role as captain of the Legion XIII team, in which he holds a stake, further enhances his financial portfolio.
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Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi secured $135 million in 2024, with $65 million earned on the field playing for Major League Soccer side, Inter Miami. Off the field, Messi’s extensive endorsement deals with brands like Pepsi, Adidas, Apple, and Lays, along with his own clothing line and real estate investments, contributed an additional $70 million.
LeBron James – $128.7 Million
NBA superstar LeBron James amassed $128.7 million, earning $48.7 million from his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2024-25 season. Off the court, James garnered an estimated $80 million through endorsements with companies such as Nike, DraftKings, and PepsiCo, as well as his diverse business ventures even in other sports like football, being a co-owner of Liverpool FC. Notably, James became the NBA’s first active player to achieve billionaire status in 2022.
Neymar – $110 Million
Brazilian footballer Neymar’s earnings reached $110 million, with $80 million stemming from his tenure with Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal. His off-field income of $30 million is derived from endorsements with brands like Puma, Skims, Red Bull, and Qatar Airways, showcasing his global marketability.
Stephen Curry – $105.8 Million
Golden State Warriors’ point guard Stephen Curry earned $105.8 million, with $55.8 million from his NBA salary and $50 million from off-court endeavors. Curry’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident through his sneaker and athletic wear company, Curry Brand, his production company, and a liquor brand, diversifying his income streams.
Karim Benzema – $104 Million
Former French footballer Karim Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad resulted in earnings of $104 million, with $100 million from his playing contract and $4 million from endorsements, including a notable deal with Adidas.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – $93.8 Million
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo earned $93.8 million, comprising $48.8 million from his NBA salary and $45 million from endorsements and business ventures. His partnerships with brands such as Nike, Google, PepsiCo, and Amazon, along with his production company, Improbable Media, have significantly boosted his earnings.
Kylian Mbappe – $90 Million
French football sensation Kylian Mbappe amassed $90 million, with $70 million earned from his contract with Real Madrid and $20 million from endorsements. His collaborations with brands like Nike and Hublot, as well as his production company, Zebra Valley, which partners with the NBA, highlight his expanding influence beyond football.
Jared Goff – $85.6 Million
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff rounds out the top ten with $85.6 million in earnings. His four-year, $212 million contract with the Lions provides an average annual salary of $53 million. Off the field, Goff’s endorsements with brands like Netflix, Ford, Old Spice, and his own clothing line, JG16, contribute to his substantial income.
Conclusion
The financial trajectories of these athletes underscore the evolving dynamics of professional sports, where on-field performance, strategic endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures collectively enhance earning potentials. The infusion of substantial investments, particularly from Middle Eastern entities, has notably reshaped the earnings landscape, especially in sports like football and golf. As the sports industry continues to globalize, athletes are leveraging their brands to unprecedented levels, securing their positions not only as sports figures but also as influential business moguls.
