Karim Benzema, Lebron James, Dak Prescott

The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025

September 2, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

For the third year in a row, and the fifth time in his legendary career, Cristiano Ronaldo sits atop Forbes' 2025 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. With a staggering $275 million in total earnings, the Portuguese icon continues to prove that his brand power off the pitch is just as strong as his legacy on it.

This year’s list reflects the global reach of elite sports, with footballers, basketball players, boxers, and baseball stars all making the cut. Several athletes boosted their income through endorsement deals, media ventures, or massive new contracts, while others made history with record-breaking performances or blockbuster signings.

Let’s count down the Top 10 highest-paid athletes of 2025.

10. Kevin Durant (Basketball) — $101.4 Million

Kevin Durant, forward for the Phoenix Suns, rounds out the top 10 with $101.4 million.
The two-time NBA champion continues to be a powerhouse on and off the court, with strong endorsement deals and media ventures supplementing his NBA income.
Even in the later stages of his career, KD remains one of the league's biggest earners.

9. Shohei Ohtani (Baseball) — $102.5 Million

Shohei Ohtani takes ninth place with $102.5 million in earnings.
Although much of his historic contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers is deferred, his overall income soared thanks to endorsements and the team’s recent World Series title.
The two-way Japanese superstar is redefining value in baseball.

8. Karim Benzema (Football) — $104 Million

Karim Benzema, playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, earned $104 million this year.
The French striker’s salary in the Saudi Pro League is among the highest globally, and his brand appeal remains strong after years at Real Madrid.
Though his club results have been mixed, his earnings are anything but.

7. Juan Soto (Baseball) — $114 Million

Juan Soto enters the top 10 for the first time, banking $114 million in 2025.
The New York Mets outfielder signed a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in MLB history.
At just 26 years old, Soto is one of the highest-paid athletes in American sports.

6. LeBron James (Basketball) — $133.8 Million

LeBron James, still going strong at age 40, brought in $133.8 million this year.
The Los Angeles Lakers star combines his NBA earnings with a powerful portfolio of business ventures, endorsements, and media projects.
As he nears the end of his legendary career, LeBron’s financial footprint remains enormous.

5. Lionel Messi (Football) — $135 Million

Lionel Messi, now playing for Inter Miami CF, remains one of football’s top earners with $135 million—unchanged from last year.
The Argentine legend continues to enjoy major sponsorships, notably with Adidas and Apple, as he grows the MLS brand worldwide.
Even outside Europe, Messi's market value remains untouchable.

4. Dak Prescott (American Football) — $137 Million

Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, lands at number four with $137 million.
A record-breaking signing bonus and a massive contract extension fueled his rise in the rankings.
Prescott is currently the NFL’s highest-paid player in 2025.

3. Tyson Fury (Boxing) — $146 Million

Despite losing his heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury claims the third spot with $146 million in earnings.
His income was bolstered by brand deals, including partnerships with Maltese tourism and a Netflix reality show.
Even in defeat, “The Gypsy King” proves his star power extends far beyond the ring.

2. Stephen Curry (Basketball) — $156 Million

Stephen Curry made history in March by becoming the first NBA player to hit 4,000 career three-pointers, and he’s now second on Forbes’ list with $156 million.
Curry’s earnings include a massive NBA salary and lucrative endorsement deals from brands like Under Armour.
He remains the face of the modern NBA and one of sport’s most marketable athletes.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) — $275 Million

At number one once again, Cristiano Ronaldo earned a staggering $275 million in 2025.
Now with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo boosted his income by $15 million in endorsements, leveraging his unmatched social media following—over 939 million combined.
Though the silverware has yet to follow him to the Saudi Pro League, his earnings continue to break records.