The 50 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025 – Ranked

As the global sports industry thrives, top athletes are raking in millions not just from their performances, but also from lucrative endorsements. This ranking showcases the 50 highest-earning athletes in 2025, recalculated in British pounds. We count down from number 50 to number 1, exploring the blend of salaries and sponsorships that power their financial dominance.

50 – Klay Thompson – £38.6M

Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Klay Thompson remains a valuable asset for the Dallas Mavericks. His sharp shooting and calm presence keep him relevant on the court and in the sponsorship world.

49 – Trevor Lawrence – £38.7M

Trevor Lawrence has quickly become the face of the Jacksonville Jaguars and one of the NFL’s most promising stars. His mix of strong salary and brand support places him among the sport’s top earners.

48 – Kyrie Irving – £39.4M

Kyrie Irving brings flair and unpredictability to the Dallas Mavericks, both of which are marketable traits. Despite controversy, he consistently attracts endorsements that complement his hefty salary.

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47 – Zion Williamson – £39.7M

Zion Williamson’s explosive style of play and immense potential keep him at the center of attention for both the New Orleans Pelicans and major sponsors. Injuries have slowed his progress, but not his income.

46 – Devin Booker – £40.5M

Devin Booker remains one of the NBA’s premier scorers and a face of the Phoenix Suns. His consistent on-court excellence is matched by a growing profile in advertising and sponsorship.

45 – James Harden – £40.9M

James Harden continues to cash in with the Los Angeles Clippers while maintaining a strong off-court presence. His beard, style, and flair make him a marketable icon.

44 – Riyad Mahrez – £41.1M

Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli significantly boosted his income. As one of Africa’s top footballing exports, he enjoys strong regional and global brand appeal.

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43 – Jannik Sinner – £41.3M

Italy’s rising tennis star Jannik Sinner has had a breakthrough year both competitively and commercially. His clean image and sharp game have drawn major sponsors his way.

42 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – £41.8M

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a rising global basketball figure. With his smooth playing style, his endorsements are growing just as fast as his game.

41 – Max Scherzer – £42.7M

Even in the later stages of his career, Max Scherzer commands top dollar from the Toronto Blue Jays. His dominance on the mound continues to pay off financially.

40 – Kawhi Leonard – £43.3M

Quiet but deadly effective, Kawhi Leonard’s calm demeanor hasn’t stopped him from securing serious money. With the Los Angeles Clippers, he remains one of the NBA’s elite and most consistent earners.

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39 – Vinícius Júnior – £43.5M

Vinícius Júnior has rapidly become one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars. His flair and charisma make him a favorite of both fans and sponsors worldwide.

38 – Mohamed Salah – £43.5M

Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar continues to perform at the highest level. His global appeal, especially in the Middle East and Africa, keeps his endorsement portfolio thriving.

37 – Xander Schauffele – £44.1M

A consistent presence in the golf world, Xander Schauffele blends performance and poise. His brand value has risen in step with his results on the course.

36 – Paul George – £44.2M

Paul George remains a key figure for the Philadelphia 76ers and a respected veteran in the NBA. His clean image and reliability translate well into endorsement opportunities.

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35 – Bradley Beal – £44.3M

Bradley Beal’s move to the Phoenix Suns hasn’t just elevated his game but also his earnings. He remains one of the league’s most dependable scorers and marketable athletes.

34 – Luka Dončić – £44.3M

Luka Dončić continues to rise as one of basketball’s global faces. Now representing the Los Angeles Lakers, his appeal spans continents and demographics.

33 – Jimmy Butler – £45M

Jimmy Butler’s blue-collar mentality and leadership with the Golden State Warriors resonate deeply with fans. His personality and work ethic are highly attractive to brands.

32 – Nikola Jokic – £45.4M

Jokic may be understated off the court, but his MVP-level dominance for the Denver Nuggets is loud and clear. That excellence earns him consistent endorsements and top-tier salary.

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31 – Joel Embiid – £46.1M

The Philadelphia 76ers star center is both dominant and charismatic. Embiid’s personality shines in media and advertising just as much as it does on the hardwood.

30 – Anthony Joshua – £47.4M

Anthony Joshua remains one of boxing’s most bankable names. His presence in the ring and polished public image make him a favorite among major sponsors in the UK and globally.

29 – Yoshinobu Yamamoto – £48.5M

The Japanese ace pitcher joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a massive contract, reflecting his immense value. His cross-cultural appeal fuels both strong club earnings and high-profile sponsorship deals.

28 – Tiger Woods – £49.0M

Though past his peak as a player, Tiger Woods continues to dominate the business side of golf. His legacy and brand endorsements keep him among the world’s top earners.

27 – Kirk Cousins – £49.0M

Now suiting up for the Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins commands a powerful NFL salary. His leadership and consistency also attract loyal sponsors.

26 – Damian Lillard – £52.0M

Known for clutch performances and lyrical talent, Damian Lillard thrives on and off the court. His contributions to the Milwaukee Bucks and his personal brand elevate his earnings.

25 – Justin Herbert – £53.4M

The Los Angeles Chargers have invested heavily in Justin Herbert, and it’s paying off. With youth, skill, and a growing media presence, he’s a quarterback made for the modern era.

24 – Erling Haaland – £55.3M

Manchester City’s goal machine is already a global phenomenon. Haaland’s immense athletic presence, combined with a rapidly expanding commercial profile, secures him a place near the top.

23 – Joe Burrow – £55.9M

Joe Burrow leads the Cincinnati Bengals with poise and confidence. His brand is built on leadership and reliability, making him a favorite with fans and advertisers alike.

22 – Lewis Hamilton – £47.5M

Now with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton remains the face of Formula 1 for many. His influence transcends racing, reaching into fashion, activism, and global marketing.

21 – Shohei Ohtani – £57.3M

Ohtani is a baseball unicorn—pitching and hitting at elite levels. His exceptional talents and clean image have turned him into a megastar in both Japan and the US.

20 – Canelo Álvarez – £57.7M

Still a dominant force in boxing, Canelo Álvarez remains a headline attraction. With deep ties in Latin America and a massive fanbase, his brand power continues to grow.

19 – Patrick Mahomes – £57.8M

Mahomes leads the Kansas City Chiefs with dazzling plays and poise. His Super Bowl wins and magnetic personality make him one of the most marketable names in sports.

18 – Max Verstappen – £60.1M

Formula 1’s current titan, Max Verstappen dominates on the track and financially. With Red Bull Racing and a global fanbase behind him, his ascent is both rapid and lucrative.

17 – Rory McIlroy – £63.0M

Rory McIlroy blends golfing brilliance with grace under pressure. His endorsements reflect not only his skill but also his values and leadership within the sport.

16 – Jordan Love – £62.5M

Taking over from a legend in Green Bay, Jordan Love is proving he can handle the pressure. The Packers’ faith in him is rewarded through a major contract and rising sponsorship value.

15 – Jared Goff – £63.8M

Revitalizing his career with the Detroit Lions, Jared Goff now ranks among the NFL’s top-paid quarterbacks. His recent success has opened new doors for endorsement deals.

14 – Kevin Durant – £73.6M

Kevin Durant’s smooth scoring and basketball IQ remain in demand for the Phoenix Suns. Off the court, his savvy investments and media projects enhance his income streams.

13 – Giannis Antetokounmpo – £77.3M

The “Greek Freak” dominates for the Milwaukee Bucks and is one of the NBA’s most beloved figures. His humble story and global charm drive consistent sponsorship interest.

12 – Dak Prescott – £79.3M

The Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback is a franchise cornerstone. Prescott’s leadership and performance have secured him massive earnings on and off the field.

11 – Scottie Scheffler – £82.4M

Scottie Scheffler’s calm excellence has made him golf’s top prize earner this year. With tournament wins and rising brand partnerships, his success is multifaceted.

10 – Jon Rahm – £83.6M

Rahm has capitalized on his golf prowess with strong finishes and even stronger commercial backing. His balance of fire and focus keeps him among the sport’s elite both competitively and financially.

9 – Kylian Mbappé – £67.2M

Now starring for Real Madrid, Mbappé is not just a football icon but a global marketing sensation. His youth, style, and leadership make him irresistible to sponsors.

8 – Karim Benzema – £85.5M

Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad delivered a substantial salary boost. As a former Ballon d’Or winner, his value remains sky-high across both sport and sponsorship.

7 – Oleksandr Usyk – £96.2M

After conquering multiple boxing divisions, Usyk cashed in big. His success story has resonated with brands, making him one of the sport’s top earners.

6 – Neymar – £105.3M

Returning to Santos hasn’t slowed Neymar’s financial engine. With massive wages and endorsements that span fashion and tech, he continues to be a commercial juggernaut.

5 – LeBron James – £105.2M

LeBron James remains a cultural and sporting giant for the Los Angeles Lakers. His influence stretches far beyond basketball into media, philanthropy, and business.

4 – Lionel Messi – £106.7M

Messi’s move to Inter Miami has proven profitable, combining a healthy salary with major brand deals. Even in the twilight of his career, his star power shines globally.

3 – Tyson Fury – £116.1M

The Gypsy King is not just a boxing icon but a business machine. With his charisma and dominance in the ring, Fury’s earning power remains unmatched in the sport.

2 – Stephen Curry – £121.5M

Golden State’s sharpshooter remains a marketing magnet and a leader in the NBA. His impact spans sports, entertainment, and global branding partnerships.

1 – Cristiano Ronaldo – £205.4M

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid athlete in 2025. His massive contract with Al Nassr, combined with unmatched global endorsement power, sets him apart as a financial and sporting titan.