The Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025: Salaries, Net Worth & Total Earnings.
In 2025, the world’s top athletes not only excel in their sports but also dominate global earnings through salaries, endorsements, and business ventures. Forbes reports that these 10 athletes earned a combined $1.4 billion this year, setting new records. This article ranks the highest-paid athletes of 2025 from #10 to #1, providing detailed insights into their earnings, career highlights, and net worth.
#10 Kevin Durant: NBA Star with Lucrative Endorsements
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | U.S. |
| On-Field Salary | $51.4 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $50 million |
| Total Earnings | $101.4 million |
Kevin Durant, a top NBA player for the Phoenix Suns, continues to generate massive income from his $51.4 million salary and $50 million in endorsements. Durant’s investments in Homage and his media company Boardroom have expanded his off-court empire. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $300 Million.
#9 Shohei Ohtani: Baseball’s Two-Way Sensation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| Nationality | Japan |
| On-Field Salary | $2.5 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $100 million |
| Total Earnings | $102.5 million |
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar, earned $2.5 million on the field but raked in $100 million through endorsements with major global brands. His unique talent as a pitcher and hitter, coupled with massive marketability, makes him one of baseball’s highest earners. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $150 Million.
#8 Karim Benzema: Saudi Pro League’s Top Earner
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 37 |
| Nationality | France |
| On-Field Salary | $100 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $4 million |
| Total Earnings | $104 million |
Karim Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad club secured him a $100 million salary. Though quieter off the pitch, Benzema remains an Adidas endorser and is rumored to consider an MLS move ahead of 2026. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $200 Million.
#7 Juan Soto: MLB’s Rising Star with Historic Contract
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | Dominican Republic |
| On-Field Salary | $109 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $5 million |
| Total Earnings | $114 million |
Juan Soto’s $765 million Mets contract is historic, making him a financial powerhouse in MLB. His endorsements with Celsius and Call of Duty boost his income alongside his on-field performance. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $100 Million.
#6 LeBron James: Basketball Legend and Billionaire Entrepreneur
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 40 |
| Nationality | U.S. |
| On-Field Salary | $48.8 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $85 million |
| Total Earnings | $133.8 million |
LeBron James continues to dominate both on the court and in business, with $48.8 million in salary and $85 million in endorsements. His SpringHill production company is a leading player in sports media. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $1.2 Billion.
#5 Lionel Messi: MLS Icon and Global Superstar
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 37 |
| Nationality | Argentina |
| On-Field Salary | $60 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $75 million |
| Total Earnings | $135 million |
Messi’s impact on MLS and his $60 million contract with Inter Miami elevate him among the top earners worldwide. His business ventures and endorsements amplify his financial influence. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $850 Million.
#4 Dak Prescott: NFL’s Highest-Paid Quarterback
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | U.S. |
| On-Field Salary | $127 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $10 million |
| Total Earnings | $137 million |
Dak Prescott’s record-breaking NFL contract and strong endorsements make him one of football’s richest players. His contract restructuring maximized his earnings in 2025. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $90 Million.
#3 Tyson Fury: Boxing’s Heavyweight Champion and Media Personality
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | U.K. |
| On-Field Salary | $140 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $6 million |
| Total Earnings | $146 million |
Tyson Fury remains a top earner in boxing, earning $140 million from fights and media deals. His Netflix show and tourism promotion contracts bolster his off-ring income. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $160 Million.
#2 Stephen Curry: NBA’s Most Lucrative Contract Ever
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 37 |
| Nationality | U.S. |
| On-Field Salary | $56 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $100 million |
| Total Earnings | $156 million |
Stephen Curry set new NBA earnings records with his $56 million salary and $100 million endorsements. His Under Armour sneaker deal and media projects make him a financial juggernaut. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $240 Million.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo: The World’s Highest-Paid Athlete in 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 40 |
| Nationality | Portugal |
| On-Field Salary | $225 million |
| Off-Field Earnings | $50 million |
| Total Earnings | $275 million |
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the 2025 list with $275 million in earnings, fueled by a record-breaking salary at Al-Nassr and diverse business investments. His global brand remains unmatched. His net worth currently sits at an estimated $1.45 Billion.
Conclusion: The Future of Athlete Earnings Looks Bright
The highest-paid athletes in 2025 showcase the blend of extraordinary talent, marketability, and entrepreneurship. From basketball courts to soccer fields, their earnings reflect the growing commercial value of sports worldwide. With endorsements, media ventures, and savvy investments, these athletes continue to set financial milestones, inspiring the next generation of sports stars and entrepreneurs alike.
