Anders Antonsen, Jonatan Christie, Li Shifeng

10 Highest-Earning Badminton Players in the World (September World Rank Order)

September 19, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Badminton has long been one of the world’s most competitive racket sports, but only in recent years has the financial side of the game begun to catch up with its global popularity. While prize money in badminton still lags far behind sports like tennis or football, the top players are now commanding serious sums from tournament wins, sponsorships, and increasingly lucrative club contracts.

The financial reality is stark: a player outside the top 50 often struggles to break even after covering travel, coaching, and training costs. But for those inside the top 10, the game changes dramatically. These athletes not only secure entry into the richest tournaments, but they also become magnets for global brands, endorsements, and sometimes even crossovers into mainstream culture.

From sponsorship megadeals with Yonex, Victor, and Li-Ning to endorsements from luxury watches and health brands, the highest-ranked players are finally seeing badminton pay like a truly global sport. For context, while a mid-tier top 50 player might earn between $20,000–$60,000 per year, those inside the top 10 can command anywhere between $100,000 and several million annually, depending heavily on sponsorships and social media reach.

This list, based on the BWF World Rankings as of September 16, 2025, ranks the top 10 men’s singles players in the world and dives deep into how much money they’re making, where it comes from, and why their marketability matters as much as their skill.

Let’s count them down in reverse.

10. Christo Popov

The young French star Christo Popov has broken into the top 10 for the first time, and with it comes a significant step up in earnings. While his prize money still sits in the lower range of elite players — estimated around $60,000–$100,000 annually — his true financial strength lies in sponsorship potential. Popov benefits from France’s growing badminton market and his appeal as a rising European face in a sport long dominated by Asia.

He is supported by equipment deals, most notably with Yonex, and has begun attracting lifestyle sponsorships thanks to his strong Instagram presence. Unlike veterans, Popov also takes part in European club leagues, where a single season can add another $20,000–$50,000 to his income. He’s not yet commanding Indian Premier Badminton League–style contracts, but his youth and charisma mean he’s on the radar.

Overall, his estimated annual income for 2025 sits between $100,000–$250,000, with sponsorships making up nearly half of that figure.

9. Kodai Naraoka

Japan’s Kodai Naraoka has established himself as one of the most consistent grinders on the circuit, and his financial story reflects his steady rise. With Japan being one of badminton’s strongest commercial markets, he enjoys backing from Yonex and several Japanese sponsors, including domestic health and beverage brands.

Prize money is a major contributor — his 2025 season earnings are estimated around $150,000–$200,000, boosted by deep runs at high-level tournaments. Add to that another $30,000–$60,000 in domestic club earnings and sponsorship bonuses.

Naraoka’s quiet but hardworking image makes him a strong fit for Japanese corporate sponsors who value discipline and consistency. His annual range is estimated between $250,000–$400,000, putting him firmly in the higher end of Asia’s mid-tier elite earners.

8. Loh Kean Yew

Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, the 2021 World Champion, continues to be a big commercial draw in Southeast Asia. Though his ranking has slipped slightly compared to his peak, his reputation ensures steady financial strength. Prize money accounts for roughly $150,000 annually, while endorsements take his total much higher.

He is Singapore’s badminton icon and has inked sponsorship deals with Li-Ning, as well as corporate partnerships with regional banks and sports nutrition companies. His popularity in both Singapore and across ASEAN markets has also led to lucrative appearance fees and exhibition matches.

Loh is estimated to earn between $500,000–$1 million annually, with endorsements making up the majority of that figure.

7. Alex Lanier

At just 20 years old, France’s Alex Lanier is one of the youngest stars in the top 10 and has already begun carving out his brand. While his prize money sits at around $80,000–$120,000, his age and rising star profile mean that French and European companies see him as an investment for the future.

He is backed by Yonex and has additional small-scale sponsorships in France, but the real growth potential lies in expanding his social media influence and becoming the face of European badminton. Club leagues are also a consistent stream, with Lanier pocketing an estimated $30,000–$50,000 per season.

His total yearly income is currently between $150,000–$300,000, but with his trajectory, this figure could multiply in the next two years.

6. Jonatan Christie

Indonesia’s Jonatan “Jojo” Christie is not just a player but a celebrity in his home country, where badminton is a national obsession. His tournament prize money hovers around $200,000–$250,000 annually, but it’s his off-court appeal that drives his financial power.

Christie has endorsement deals with Yonex, local Indonesian banks, energy drink companies, and even fashion brands. His Instagram following, which exceeds 2 million, gives him additional leverage with sponsors who see him as a crossover personality.

In Indonesia, national heroes like Christie can make upwards of $500,000–$1.5 million annually through sponsorships and endorsements, and Jojo comfortably sits in that range.

5. Chou Tien Chen

Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan remains one of the sport’s most respected figures, with years of consistent top-level performances. His prize money income is around $180,000–$220,000 annually, bolstered by frequent appearances in Super 500 and Super 750 events.

He is sponsored by Yonex, and his veteran status makes him attractive for Taiwanese brands, especially in fitness, sports equipment, and financial services. While not as flashy as younger stars, Chou commands loyalty from sponsors who value his long-standing presence in the game.

Altogether, Chou’s annual earnings range from $400,000–$800,000, making him one of Asia’s solid mid-million badminton earners.

4. Li Shifeng

China’s Li Shifeng has surged up the rankings with strong results, and his prize money alone is around $250,000 annually thanks to consistent deep runs at high-tier events. Being a top Chinese men’s singles player also guarantees strong state and brand backing.

He is sponsored by Li-Ning, which provides not only equipment but also financial support. In China, leading players often receive bonuses and stipends from sports associations, further boosting earnings.

Sponsorships with local brands and opportunities for state-sponsored promotions push Li’s total annual income into the $500,000–$1 million range, with strong potential to rise if he breaks into the top 3 consistently.

3. Kunlavut Vitidsarn

Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn has become a national star after winning the 2023 World Championships, and with that came a dramatic boost in earnings. Prize money alone is around $250,000–$300,000 annually, but sponsorships have made him a millionaire in financial terms.

Vitidsarn is a leading face for Yonex in Thailand and enjoys backing from Thai corporations, including banks and energy drink companies. He is also becoming a sought-after figure in advertising, appearing in TV campaigns that go beyond sports.

Kunlavut’s total annual income is estimated at $1–$2 million, making him one of the most commercially successful badminton players in the world.

2. Anders Antonsen

Denmark’s Anders Antonsen is Europe’s leading men’s singles player and a huge personality both on and off the court. His prize money is estimated at $250,000–$350,000 annually, but his true financial firepower comes from sponsorships and media presence.

Antonsen is signed with Victor and has cultivated a large following on social media, where his YouTube channel and Instagram presence attract global fans. This makes him highly marketable not only in Denmark but across Europe and Asia.

Between endorsements, appearances, and prize money, Antonsen earns between $1.5–$3 million annually, making him the richest European player of his generation outside of Viktor Axelsen.

1. Shi Yu Qi

Sitting at the top of the world rankings, China’s Shi Yu Qi is also at the top financially. His tournament prize money is estimated around $300,000–$400,000 annually, but the real wealth comes from his sponsorships and state backing.

Shi is heavily endorsed by Li-Ning, China’s leading badminton brand, and is one of the poster boys for Chinese sport. With badminton being one of the nation’s most popular sports, top players like Shi command large appearance fees and sponsorship bonuses from corporate giants, including banks and technology firms.

Altogether, Shi Yu Qi’s annual income is estimated at $2–$5 million, cementing him as not only the world’s best player but also the highest earner in badminton today.