Quick Summary
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.
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.
By net worth, the top contenders are:
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 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:
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.
One area that many lists gloss over but is essential is how athlete earnings are calculated. Here’s how major publications compile their figures:
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.
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:
Humble Beginnings:
CR7 Brand Empire:
Endorsement Deals:
Social Media Powerhouse:
Why He’s a Case Study:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Looking at the top earners by sport in 2025 shows how different sports offer unique financial opportunities. Here’s a breakdown:
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.
Several major trends are shaping the future of athlete income:
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.
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.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport worldwide, boasting an estimated 4 billion fans, with major leagues like the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League leading in viewership.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the wealthiest athlete in 2025, amassing a net worth of approximately $800 million. His income stems from a $200 million annual salary at Al Nassr, endorsements, and various business ventures.
Football (soccer) leads in athlete earnings, with Cristiano Ronaldo topping the 2025 Forbes list at $275 million, followed by Lionel Messi at $135 million.
LeBron James is wealthier than Cristiano Ronaldo, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion in 2025, compared to Ronaldo’s $800 million.
Lionel Messi is the second billionaire footballer, with a net worth of $600 million in 2025, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cricket is India’s most popular sport, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) being a significant contributor to its global appeal.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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