Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025 Sports is one of the most lucrative professions, with top athletes earning millions through contracts, sponsorships, and business ventures. These players dominate not just in their respective sports but also in the financial world. In this article, we rank the Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World as of 2025, breaking down their earnings on and off the field.
Here Are the Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World as of 2025
10. Jared Goff – $85.6 Million
Jared Goff, the quarterback for the Detroit Lions, had an incredible financial year in 2024, earning $85.6 million. His four-year contract worth $212 million ensures an annual salary of $53 million. Off the field, he makes millions from endorsement deals with Netflix, Ford, Old Spice, and Jared Jewelers. Goff has also launched his own clothing brand, JG16, adding to his income and Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Jared Goff’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $53 million |
| Off-field | $32.6 million |
| Major Sponsors | Netflix, Ford, Old Spice, Jared Jewelers |
9. Kylian Mbappé – $90 Million
French soccer star Kylian Mbappé is one of the biggest names in football. After signing with Real Madrid, Mbappé earned $70 million on the field in 2024. His off-field ventures, including partnerships with Nike and Hublot, brought in an additional $20 million. He also owns a production company, Zebra Valley, which has partnered with the NBA and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Kylian Mbappé’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $70 million |
| Off-field | $20 million |
| Major Sponsors | Nike, Hublot, Zebra Valley |
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $93.8 Million
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks earned $93.8 million in 2024. His $48.8 million NBA salary makes him one of the highest-paid basketball players. Off the court, he earned $45 million from deals with Nike, Google, PepsiCo, and Amazon, along with his own production company, Improbable Media and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $48.8 million |
| Off-field | $45 million |
| Major Sponsors | Nike, Google, PepsiCo, Amazon |
7. Karim Benzema – $104 Million
Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, now playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, earned $104 million in 2024. His $100 million salary is one of the highest in football. Off the field, he made $4 million from sponsorships, including a deal with Adidas and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Karim Benzema’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $100 million |
| Off-field | $4 million |
| Major Sponsors | Adidas |
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6. Stephen Curry – $105.8 Million
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry continues to dominate both on and off the court. In 2024, he earned $55.8 million from his NBA contract and another $50 million from endorsements and business ventures. His brand, Curry Brand, along with investments in film production and a whiskey company, keeps his financial empire growing and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Stephen Curry’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $55.8 million |
| Off-field | $50 million |
| Major Sponsors | Curry Brand, Under Armour, Chase |
5. Neymar – $110 Million
Brazilian superstar Neymar, playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, earned $80 million from his contract in 2024. He also made $30 million from sponsorships with brands like Puma, Red Bull, Blaze Casino, and Qatar Airways. His commercial success continues to make him one of the richest footballers and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Neymar’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $80 million |
| Off-field | $30 million |
| Major Sponsors | Puma, Red Bull, Blaze Casino |
4. LeBron James – $128.7 Million
NBA legend LeBron James remains the highest-paid basketball player in 2025, earning $48.7 million from his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Off the court, his business empire brings in $80 million. His investments include Nike, PepsiCo, DraftKings, and SpringHill Entertainment and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
LeBron James’ Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $48.7 million |
| Off-field | $80 million |
| Major Sponsors | Nike, DraftKings, PepsiCo |
3. Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi earned $65 million from his Inter Miami contract and $70 million from endorsements in 2024. His brand deals include Pepsi, Adidas, Apple, and Lowes, along with his own clothing brand and real estate empire and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Lionel Messi’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $65 million |
| Off-field | $70 million |
| Major Sponsors | Adidas, Pepsi, Apple |
2. Jon Rahm – $218 Million
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made $218 million in 2024 after signing with LIV Golf for a multiyear deal worth over $350 million. His $198 million earnings on the course, combined with $20 million from endorsements, made him the highest-paid golfer of the year and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Jon Rahm’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $198 million |
| Off-field | $20 million |
| Major Sponsors | Callaway, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz |
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $285 Million
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with $285 million in earnings. His $200 million contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia is the highest in football history. He also earns $85 million from endorsements, including a lifetime deal with Nike and his own CR7 brand and he his the Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Earnings Breakdown:
| Category | Earnings (2024) |
|---|---|
| On-field | $200 million |
| Off-field | $85 million |
| Major Sponsors | Nike, CR7 Brand, Herbalife |
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Conclusion
The Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World as of 2025 showcase the immense financial power of sports. From football legends to NBA superstars and golf champions, these athletes have built financial empires through contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
FAQs
1. Who is the highest-paid athlete in 2025?
Cristiano Ronaldo, with $285 million in earnings.
2. Which sport has the highest-paid athletes?
Football dominates, with Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé on the list.
3. Who is the highest-paid NBA player?
LeBron James, with $128.7 million.
