Richest Sportsman in the World 2025: Top Earners & Business Empires

When we talk about the richest sportsman in the world, we’re not just referring to their salaries from the game. It includes endorsement deals, business ventures, social media influence, and overall brand value. The term “richest sportsman“ or “richest sports person in the world“ often depends on how you define wealth: annual earnings, lifetime earnings, or net worth.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Sports stars are no longer just athletes but global brands with millions (or billions) riding on their name. Platforms like Forbes, Investopedia, and Sportico regularly publish a list of the world’s top 10 richest sportsman, combining on-field and off-field income. Their reports help fans and analysts gauge the true financial might of the world’s most influential athletes.

Who Is the Richest Sportsman in the World?

By net worth, the top contenders are:

• Michael Jordan: ~$3–3.5 billion (2025). He became the wealthiest athlete by promoting the Jordan Brand and selling his Hornets stake.
• Tiger Woods: ~$1.3 billion. A Golf billionaire thanks to endorsements, course design, and business ventures.
• LeBron James: ~$1.2–1.3 billion. NBA star earning from salary, Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Entertainment, plus equity in Fenway Sports Group and Walmart.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi score the highest annual paychecks, they trail behind in cumulative wealth Ronaldo is around $600–700 million net worth, Messi approximately $600 million.

The Modern Sports Industry: Where Athletes Become Global Business Icons

The sports industry has evolved from simple competition into a massive, multibillion-dollar global enterprise. Today’s top athletes are more than just elite performers, they’re influential brands and business magnates. Icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Lionel Messi top the list of the world’s highest paid athletes, earning not just from their performances but from empires built on endorsements, media influence, and savvy investments.

Take Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, and he recently earned over $275 million in a single year, a figure fueled by more than just his football salary. What’s behind these staggering earnings? It’s a potent mix of:

• Lucrative contracts with top sports clubs
• Major endorsement deals with global brands like Nike, Adidas, Pepsi
• Investments in businesses ranging from fashion and hotels to tech startups

Luxury lifestyles featuring exotic cars, private jets, and international fame only add to their appeal and marketability.

One major driver of this financial surge is the rise of social media. With massive global followings, athletes like Ronaldo and LeBron can turn their Instagram and Twitter accounts into multimillion-dollar marketing machines. Brands now view social media presence as crucial as athletic skill when choosing ambassadors.

The world’s top athletes are rewriting the playbook in this new era. They’re not just winning games they’re building personal empires, merging athletic success with entrepreneurial ambition to define what it truly means to be a global superstar.

Methodology Behind Earnings Data

One area that many lists gloss over but is essential is how athlete earnings are calculated. Here’s how major publications compile their figures:

• On-field earnings include salaries, prize money, and bonuses from playing contracts.
• Off-field earnings come from endorsements, licensing, social media posts, speaking engagements, and business ventures.

These massive earnings often fund a lifestyle filled with luxury cars, private jet travel, and exclusive experiences.

These earnings are usually reported for a 12-month period, not the athlete’s lifetime. Forbes, for example, tracks income from May to May, while Sportico might follow the calendar year.

It’s crucial to differentiate between annual earnings (what an athlete made last year) and net worth (total assets minus liabilities over a lifetime). For example, Cristiano Ronaldo may have made $275 million in the past year, but his net worth due to years of income, real estate, and business investments could be well over $1 billion.

Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes in 2025

Here’s a mobile-friendly breakdown of the top 10 richest sportsman in the world for 2025, based on recent lists by Forbes and Sportico:

Rank	Name	Sport	Total Earnings (2025)
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	Football	$275 Million
2	Stephen Curry	Basketball	$156 Million
3	Boxer Tyson Fury	Boxing	$146 Million
4	Lionel Messi	Football	$135 Million
5	LeBron James	Basketball	$125.7 Million
6	Jon Rahm	Golf	$122 Million
7	Kylian Mbappé	Football	$110 Million
8	Max Verstappen	Formula 1	$108 Million
9	Dak Prescott	NFL	$105 Million
10	Kevin Durant	Basketball	$101.4 Million

Notable Surprises:

• Boxer Tyson Fury secured third place among the highest paid athletes, with Fury’s income significantly boosted by off field endorsements, major sponsorship deals, and his Netflix reality show, despite recent changes in his boxing career.
• Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors guard and NBA player, is the second highest paid athlete in 2025, highlighting his remarkable achievements and financial success in the NBA.
• Dak Prescott, the NFL quarterback, earns more than several globally renowned footballers, thanks to a combination of a high-value contract and lucrative endorsements.

Athlete Profiles: Stories Behind the Fortunes

Cristiano Ronaldo: From Football Star to Global Business Mogul

Humble Beginnings:

• Grew up in Madeira, Portugal, in a working-class family.
• His rise through Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, and Real Madrid showcases a story of grit, discipline, and dedication.

CR7 Brand Empire:

• Built a personal brand (CR7) that includes:
  • Clothing and footwear lines
  • Perfume and underwear collections
  • CR7-branded hotels in partnership with Pestana Group
• These ventures generate millions in passive income each year.

Endorsement Deals:

• Lifetime deal with Nike reportedly worth over $1 billion.
• Partnerships with Herbalife, Clear Shampoo, TAG Heuer, etc.
• Has made Ronaldo one of the most marketable athletes on the planet.

Social Media Powerhouse:

• Has over 600 million followers across platforms.
• Charges over $1 million per sponsored post on Instagram.
• His digital presence is a revenue-generating asset in itself.

Why He’s a Case Study:

• Ronaldo combines athletic excellence with a businessman’s mindset.
• He’s proof that personal branding + smart deals = generational wealth.

LeBron James: The Blueprint for Athlete Entrepreneurship

• Legendary Basketball Career:
  • Multiple-time NBA champion and MVP.
  • Earns over $40M/year in salary but his off-court earnings surpass it.
• Business Ventures:
  • SpringHill Company:
    • A media empire co-founded with Maverick Carter.
    • Produces films, TV shows, and documentaries (e.g., Space Jam: A New Legacy).
  • Invested in Blaze Pizza, now valued at over $250M.
  • Holds equity in Liverpool FC via partnership with Fenway Sports Group.
• Brand Collaborations:
  • Longtime Nike athlete with a lifetime deal worth over $1B.
  • Endorses Pepsi, Beats by Dre, 2K Sports, and more.
• Philanthropy as Brand Strength:
  • Founded the I PROMISE School for at-risk youth in Akron, Ohio.
  • This enhances his brand value and builds a legacy beyond wealth.
• Key Takeaway:
  • LeBron represents how a top athlete can become a tech-savvy investor and cultural leader, blending sport, social good, and profit.

Lionel Messi: Silent Strategy, Global Impact

• Football Icon with Global Reach:
  • Dominated world football with Barcelona and PSG.
  • One of the highest-paid athletes in history, with over $600M in career earnings.
• Strategic Move to Inter Miami:
  • His 2023 transfer to MLS included:
    • Salary and ownership stake
    • Revenue-sharing deals with Apple and Adidas
  • The move revitalized MLS by boosting viewership, ticket sales, and brand interest.
• Brand Growth:
  • Endorses Adidas, Pepsi, Gatorade, and Mastercard.
  • Created a more personal brand in the U.S. market with a family-focused image.
• Long-Term Strategy:
  • Unlike the flashier Ronaldo, Messi focuses on quiet wealth-building.
  • Uses loyalty and low controversy to attract family-friendly global sponsors.
• Takeaway:
  • Messi’s case shows that quiet, strategic moves can also build lasting wealth and influence especially in a new market.

Who’s the Actual Richest Sportsman in the World?

While several athletes made staggering sums in 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as the definitive richest sportsman in the world in terms of annual earnings. Ronaldo’s financial dominance is unparalleled in modern sports with a jaw-dropping income of $275 million in a single year.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Earnings Category	Amount
Salary & Bonuses (Al Nassr)	$225 Million
Endorsements & Other Ventures	$50 Million
Total	$275 Million

This total is a testament to Ronaldo’s massive global appeal. Beyond his salary from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, he garners impressive earnings from endorsements with Nike, Binance, Herbalife, and other major brands. His personal label, the CR7 lifestyle brand, adds yet another revenue stream that keeps his off-field income flowing steadily.

Comparative Overview:

• Lionel Messi brought in $135 million (combined salary and sponsorships)
• LeBron James made $125.7 million through NBA salary and endorsement partnerships

However, the financial narrative goes beyond just this year’s earnings. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have crossed the $1 billion threshold in career earnings, placing them among the most financially successful athletes ever. LeBron James is also inching closer to that mark, having made significant income through his media ventures, investments in Blaze Pizza, and other off-court activities.

The takeaway? Being the richest sportsperson in the world is not only about sporting excellence, it’s about building a multifaceted empire. These athletes have leveraged their fame to become business moguls, making strategic moves that ensure wealth accumulation long after their playing days.

Richest Sports Person in the World—Net Worth Perspective

When evaluating who the richest sportsperson in the world is, it’s essential to consider net worth, not just annual earnings. Net worth includes a lifetime of income, salaries, endorsements, investments, and personal business ventures minus liabilities. As of 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the only two athletes confirmed to have crossed the $1 billion mark in career earnings, placing them in an elite club.

Ronaldo’s success isn’t just from football; his CR7 empire includes fashion, gyms, hotels, and personal endorsements. On the other hand, Messi has also built wealth through real estate, the Messi Store, and deals with top-tier brands like Adidas and Pepsi. Both athletes have exhibited financial acumen by transforming their playing careers into profitable businesses.

While LeBron James is not yet officially a billionaire, he’s expected to reach that milestone soon. In the most recent period, his total earnings reached 133.8 million, reflecting his status among the world’s highest paid athletes. His equity stakes in businesses like Blaze Pizza and SpringHill Company, endorsements, sponsorship deals, and an NBA salary, have built a vast portfolio. James continues to expand his wealth through both on-court performance and off-field endorsements.

Other high earners like Stephen Curry and Roger Federer have sizable incomes but haven’t confirmed reaching billionaire status yet. One reason is that certain sports offer lower earning ceilings unless the athlete ventures aggressively into entrepreneurship.

In summary, while annual earnings highlight short-term financial dominance, net worth showcases long-term strategy, brand development, and smart investments. Ronaldo and Messi lead not just on the field but also in securing their financial legacies.

Beyond Salaries: Business Ventures, Endorsements & Social Media

The wealth of modern athletes is increasingly driven by ventures outside the playing field. Athletes have become brands, and those who understand how to monetize their image, influence, and entrepreneurial vision often earn far more off the field than on it.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 empire includes underwear, fragrances, hotels, and fitness centers. Stephen Curry’s Curry Brand, under Armour, allows him to profit from shoe sales, apparel, and youth basketball initiatives. Boxer Tyson Fury, despite losing his world heavyweight titles, has maintained high earnings through diverse revenue streams. Fury’s income is boosted by his Netflix reality show, which has significantly increased his media presence and commercial appeal. His Netflix reality ventures, along with partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and other endorsement and sponsorship deals, highlight how his financial success extends beyond boxing achievements.

Endorsements and sponsorship deals continue to be a goldmine. Messi endorses Adidas, Pepsi, and Apple, raking in tens of millions annually. Footballers like Karim Benzema have lucrative endorsement agreements, notably with EA Sports, further elevating their income. Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, though not on the global top 10 list, has deals with MRF and Puma, reflecting regional earning power and the potential for partnerships promoting Maltese tourism.

Social media also plays a pivotal role. With over 600 million followers across platforms, Ronaldo earns an estimated $2 million per sponsored post on Instagram. This kind of influencer income has become standard for top athletes.

These streams show that being a top athlete today means mastering media, business, and brand strategy. Salaries are only one piece of a much larger financial puzzle.

Gaps: Women in Sports Income

Despite rising popularity and performance, women athletes continue to face stark income disparities. In 2025, no female athlete appears in the overall top 10 earners highlighting systemic issues in prize money, endorsements, and media exposure.

India’s PV Sindhu, ranked 17th among female athletes in earnings, is a good example. Though a global badminton icon, her total income combining winnings and brand deals is significantly lower than many male athletes in far more commercially supported sports.

This gap stems from several factors:

• Smaller prize pools in women’s sports
• Fewer high-profile endorsements
• Lower visibility in mainstream media
• Sponsorship bias toward male-dominated sports

However, change is underway. Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have made headlines not just for wins, but for their business acumen. Serena launched a VC fund focused on women and minority entrepreneurs, and Osaka has stakes in skincare, tech, and fashion.

Still, these are exceptions. More systemic efforts are needed equal prize money, sponsorship parity, and broader media support to bring women into the financial spotlight of global sports.

Richest Sportsman by Sport

Looking at the top earners by sport in 2025 shows how different sports offer unique financial opportunities. Here’s a breakdown:

• Football (Soccer): Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi — With huge salaries from clubs like Al Nassr and Inter Miami and endorsements with global brands, they dominate the sport’s income charts. Lionel Messi also set a Major League Soccer record with five assists in a single game, further cementing his legacy.
• Basketball: Stephen Curry & LeBron James — Their NBA salaries are high, but it’s their shoe deals (Under Armour, Nike) and business ventures that propel them higher. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, faced a challenging season due to a calf injury, which impacted his performance and playoff run.
• Boxing: Tyson Fury — With a few high-grossing fights and his Netflix series, Fury is a rare boxing entrant among the global top earners.
• Golf: Jon Rahm — His switch to LIV Golf earned him a reported $300 million contract, significantly boosting his ranking.
• Baseball: Shohei Ohtani — Though not in the top 10 for this year’s earnings, his record $700 million Dodgers contract is set to change that from 2026 onward.
• NFL: Lamar Jackson — As a star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations and endorsements have made him one of the top earners in the league.
• Notable Mentions: Neymar & Kylian Mbappé — Neymar’s playing time in 2024 was limited by a ligament injury, affecting his on-field presence despite his lucrative transfer to Al Hilal. Kylian Mbappé’s career move to Real Madrid marks a significant milestone in his football journey and financial success.

Each sport has its financial ceiling. Endorsement-heavy sports like basketball and football often create global stars, while baseball and golf offer giant guaranteed contracts in specific regions like the U.S.

Trends & Takeaways

Several major trends are shaping the future of athlete income:

• Saudi Influence: Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investments in sports—from football (Al Nassr, Benzema) to golf (LIV) and even boxing—have changed salary dynamics overnight. Athletes now choose leagues based on massive contracts rather than legacy or competition.
• NFL & MLB Growth: American sports continue to offer large guaranteed salaries. Dak Prescott and Shohei Ohtani have secured record-breaking deals that rival or exceed global footballers.
• Athlete as Entrepreneur: More than ever, top athletes are businesspeople. LeBron has SpringHill Company; Curry has his brand; Serena Williams runs a VC fund. They’re building platforms to create wealth that lasts beyond retirement.
• Off-field Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals: The world’s highest paid athletes, like Cristiano Ronaldo, are earning more than ever through off field endorsements and sponsorship deals. The Portuguese forward increased his income significantly by leveraging his social media presence and business ventures, making his earnings far surpass his football salary.

Athletes are now CEOs of their brand. Earnings aren’t just about games played, but about leveraging fame to create global influence and financial security.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the undisputed richest athlete of 2025, leading both in annual earnings ($275 million) and overall net worth, exceeding $1 billion. While Lionel Messi and LeBron James follow closely, each leveraging fame into thriving business empires, it’s important to distinguish between yearly earnings and lifetime wealth. Today’s sports stars are no longer just athletes, they’re global brands, entrepreneurs, and media powerhouses. As the sports economy evolves, the future of athlete wealth will be shaped by smart investments, innovation, and lasting global influence beyond the playing field.

Also Read:-

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ’s)