Athletes are not only admired for their talent and skills but also for the enormous earnings they generate through salaries, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. With the growth of global sports markets, social media, and commercial partnerships, athletes are earning more than ever before.
In this article, we explore the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2025, highlighting their earnings, sports, and what makes them financially successful.
How Athlete Earnings Are Calculated
An athlete’s income is usually derived from multiple sources:
- Salaries & Winnings: Money earned from playing professionally or winning tournaments.
- Endorsements & Sponsorships: Deals with brands for advertisements and promotions.
- Merchandising: Sales of personal merchandise, jerseys, or signature products.
- Investments & Business Ventures: Income from investments, businesses, or personal brands.
1. Lionel Messi – Football
- Sport: Football (Soccer)
- Annual Earnings (2025): $130 million
- Why He Stands Out: Lionel Messi remains one of the greatest footballers of all time, combining incredible skill with strong brand endorsements.
- Highlights:
- Multiple Ballon d’Or winner
- Endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and other major brands
- Global fanbase and iconic status in football
2. LeBron James – Basketball
- Sport: Basketball
- Annual Earnings (2025): $121 million
- Why He Stands Out: LeBron James is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, excelling on the court and in business.
- Highlights:
- NBA superstar with multiple championships
- Endorsements with Nike, Coca-Cola, and Beats by Dre
- Media ventures and production company ownership
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – Football
- Sport: Football (Soccer)
- Annual Earnings (2025): $115 million
- Why He Stands Out: Cristiano Ronaldo is a global icon, known for his goal-scoring ability and massive social media presence.
- Highlights:
- Multiple Ballon d’Or awards
- Endorsements with Nike, CR7 brand, and numerous products
- Over 500 million followers on social media platforms
4. Stephen Curry – Basketball
- Sport: Basketball
- Annual Earnings (2025): $105 million
- Why He Stands Out: Stephen Curry is one of the most influential basketball players, credited with revolutionizing the game with his shooting ability.
- Highlights:
- Multiple NBA championships and MVP awards
- Endorsements with Under Armour, Sony, and other brands
- Growing business ventures and philanthropic activities
5. Roger Federer – Tennis
- Sport: Tennis
- Annual Earnings (2025): $90 million
- Why He Stands Out: Roger Federer is celebrated not only for his success on the tennis court but also for his lucrative endorsements.
- Highlights:
- 20 Grand Slam titles
- Endorsements with Uniqlo, Rolex, and Mercedes-Benz
- Considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time
6. Naomi Osaka – Tennis
- Sport: Tennis
- Annual Earnings (2025): $85 million
- Why She Stands Out: Naomi Osaka is a tennis champion and a global influencer, earning significantly from sponsorships.
- Highlights:
- Multiple Grand Slam wins
- Endorsements with Nike, Nissan, and Louis Vuitton
- Active in mental health awareness campaigns
7. Tom Brady – American Football
- Sport: American Football
- Annual Earnings (2025): $80 million
- Why He Stands Out: Tom Brady is one of the most successful NFL players, known for his longevity and winning mentality.
- Highlights:
- Seven-time Super Bowl champion
- Endorsements with Under Armour and other brands
- Owns production and business ventures
8. Tiger Woods – Golf
- Sport: Golf
- Annual Earnings (2025): $75 million
- Why He Stands Out: Tiger Woods remains one of the highest-paid golfers, combining tournament winnings with major endorsements.
- Highlights:
- 15 major championships
- Endorsements with Nike, TaylorMade, and Monster Energy
- Pioneer in golf popularity and brand building
9. Virat Kohli – Cricket
- Sport: Cricket
- Annual Earnings (2025): $70 million
- Why He Stands Out: Virat Kohli is one of the highest-paid cricketers, earning from IPL contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
- Highlights:
- Captain of the Indian national team
- Endorsements with Puma, MRF, and many Indian brands
- Massive fan following in cricket-loving countries
10. Serena Williams – Tennis
- Sport: Tennis
- Annual Earnings (2025): $68 million
- Why She Stands Out: Serena Williams has dominated tennis for decades, with a strong presence in sports and business.
- Highlights:
- 23 Grand Slam singles titles
- Endorsements with Nike, Wilson, and Gatorade
- Entrepreneurial ventures including fashion and wellness
Comparison Table: Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Annual Earnings (Approx.) | Key Achievements | Main Endorsements / Ventures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Football | $130M | Multiple Ballon d’Or awards | Adidas, Pepsi, global brand deals |
| 2 | LeBron James | Basketball | $121M | NBA champion, MVP awards | Nike, Coca-Cola, Beats, media ventures |
| 3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | $115M | Multiple Ballon d’Or awards | Nike, CR7 brand, social media deals |
| 4 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | $105M | NBA champion, MVP awards | Under Armour, Sony |
| 5 | Roger Federer | Tennis | $90M | 20 Grand Slam titles | Uniqlo, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz |
| 6 | Naomi Osaka | Tennis | $85M | Multiple Grand Slam wins | Nike, Nissan, Louis Vuitton |
| 7 | Tom Brady | American Football | $80M | 7-time Super Bowl champion | Under Armour, business ventures |
| 8 | Tiger Woods | Golf | $75M | 15 major championships | Nike, TaylorMade, Monster Energy |
| 9 | Virat Kohli | Cricket | $70M | IPL star, Indian team captain | Puma, MRF, Indian endorsements |
| 10 | Serena Williams | Tennis | $68M | 23 Grand Slam singles titles | Nike, Wilson, fashion and wellness |
Key Insights About Highest-Paid Athletes
- Football & Basketball Dominate: Messi, Ronaldo, and LeBron James top the list due to massive salaries and global recognition.
- Endorsements Are Crucial: Many athletes earn more from sponsorships than salaries or winnings.
- Global Appeal Matters: Athletes with worldwide fanbases earn more through brand deals.
- Longevity & Performance: Consistent performance over years contributes to high earnings.
- Diversified Income Streams: Investments, businesses, and personal brands boost overall earnings.
Final Thoughts
The top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2025 are more than just sports stars—they are global icons, business influencers, and cultural ambassadors.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead in football with massive earnings from salaries and endorsements.
- LeBron James and Stephen Curry dominate basketball, balancing on-court performance with business ventures.
- Roger Federer and Serena Williams showcase the power of tennis legends beyond the court.
- Tiger Woods and Virat Kohli exemplify global influence in golf and cricket.
These athletes demonstrate that sports are not just about talent—they are about influence, branding, and creating lasting legacies.