Each athlete on the list earned over $100 million this year, marking a new benchmark for sports income. The rankings reflect not just sporting performance but also the growing influence of endorsements, streaming deals, and brand ownership in modern athlete wealth.
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Cristiano Ronaldo tops the 2025 list with a staggering $275 million, largely driven by his record-breaking contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Earning $225 million on-field and $50 million from endorsements, Ronaldo continues to be a global marketing icon, with deals spanning sportswear, lifestyle, and digital media.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry ranks second with $156 million. While he earns $56 million from the NBA, his off-field income of $100 million stems from investments in sports tech, equity deals, and endorsements, making him the highest-paid NBA athlete of the year.
Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury is third, bringing in $146 million. His massive earnings come from fight purses totaling $140 million and additional revenue from brand deals and a popular Netflix documentary series, showcasing boxing's continued financial power.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott earns $137 million, ranking as the highest-paid NFL player. With $127 million from salary and signing bonuses, plus $10 million from endorsements, Prescott's new contract has redefined quarterback value in American football.
Lionel Messi remains one of the most bankable names in sports with $135 million. Playing for Inter Miami, he earns $60 million on the field and a massive $75 million from global brand endorsements, including Adidas, Apple, and Pepsi, reflecting his unmatched off-field appeal.
NBA legend LeBron James continues to dominate both court and commerce with $133.8 million. While his $48.8 million salary remains substantial, it's his $85 million in endorsements, media ventures, and business deals that keep him among the world’s richest athletes.
MLB star Juan Soto debuts in the top 10 with $114 million, largely due to a blockbuster $109 million salary after his transfer to the New York Yankees. With an additional $5 million in endorsements, Soto is now one of baseball’s most valuable assets.
Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema raked in $104 million following his move to Saudi Arabia. His $100 million on-field salary puts him among football’s top earners, and his $4 million in endorsements keeps his brand relevant in the global market.
MLB two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani earns $102.5 million, with a surprising twist—only $2.5 million is from salary due to his deferred deal with the Dodgers. However, his off-field earnings top $100 million, thanks to his immense popularity in Japan and the U.S.
Phoenix Suns’ star Kevin Durant closes the list with $101.4 million. His NBA salary stands at $51.4 million, while his $50 million in off-field earnings come from investments, media projects, and endorsement deals, showcasing his dominance beyond basketball.
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