TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Beyond historic trophies and record-breaking scores, the field delivers staggering paychecks for the world’s highest-paid athletes. These remarkable sports stars have proven that their talent, strategy, and performance are worth every penny. Off the field, they further amplify their wealth through multi-million-dollar endorsements.
List of the Highest-Paid Athletes of 2025
Forbes has unveiled the highest-paid athletes of 2025. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo sits at the very top, earning a staggering US$275 million. Other high-income sports stars include:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - US$275M
Often dominating the conversation around the "GOAT" title with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete of 2025. With nearly three decades of unparalleled success on the field, Ronaldo recently made history as the first soccer player to score 900 goals in official matches.
His US$275 million earnings came from various revenue streams, including investments in Whoop, a partnership with Matthew Vaughn to create a film studio, and a YouTube channel with 75 million subscribers.
2. Stephen Curry - US$156M
With $156 million on his paycheck, Stephen Curry comes in second for both lighting up the court and making bank. Last March, Curry made a record-breaking milestone by becoming the first player in the league to score 4,000 career 3-pointers.
Named MVP twice, Curry is also a highly sought-after endorsement star, having appeared in campaigns for major brands such as Under Armour, JPMorgan Chase, and Infiniti. His business savvy is evident in his entrepreneurial ventures through SC30 Inc.
3. Tyson Fury - US$146M
When it comes to heavyweight boxing, dominance is attached to Tyson Fury’s name. Both inside and outside the ring, his growing fortune is clear for all to see. While his lengthy boxing career has been a major contributor to his estimated earnings of US$146 million, other income streams also play a significant role, including his energy and protein drink brand, Furocity, and the publication of his autobiography. As for a potential comeback, Sky Sports reported in May that Fury is currently retired.
4. Dak Prescott - US$137M
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is cited among the richest NFL players. With estimated earnings of $137 million, Prescott owes much of his financial success to his dominance on the field.
In fact, he is on track to become the NFL's highest career earner in history by 2028. Off the field, his wealth is bolstered by savvy investments in ventures such as four Walk-On restaurants, RealTruck, and GLOW Beverages.
5. Lionel Messi - US$135M
The Argentine-born soccer star Lionel Messi is undeniably one of the highest-paid athletes of 2025. Having played for two decades, Messi earns a staggering US$135 million from his force in the field and endorsement deals. Global giants like Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade have backed him for years, with a projected total endorsement paycheck of US$75 million, according to Forbes.
6. LeBron James - US$133.8M
LeBron James has extended his influence beyond the NBA, making significant strides in the realms of entertainment and entrepreneurship. Banking a hefty US$133.8 million in paycheck, James exemplifies brilliance both on and off the court.
He has proven himself a shrewd businessman through lucrative deals with Nike, Intel, and Samsung, as well as by co-founding OpenFit with Arnold Schwarzenegger and investing in the LA-based Blaze Pizza chain.
7. Juan Soto - US$114M
Moving to the baseball field, Juan Soto is making waves as one of the highest-paid athletes in 2025. Best known for his exceptional skills and steady high-level play, Soto earns an impressive US$114 million through various streams.
Endorsement deals with Under Armour, Wilson Sporting Goods, and Glu Mobile, as well as real estate investments in Los Angeles and New York, highlight his growing influence off the field.
On the field, the 26-year-old continues to be a leading force, particularly with his landmark deal with the Mets, signed in December 2024, worth US$765 million over 15 years, which is noted as the biggest contract in sports history.
8. Karim Benzema - US$104M
After moving to Saudi Arabian football, Karim Benzema is cashing in big time. Combining both his contract with Al-Ittihad and various endorsement deals with global companies like Adidas, EA Sports, and Hyundai, it is no surprise that Benzema’s US$104 million earnings secured him a spot among the highest-paid athletes of 2025.
9. Shohei Ohtani - US$102.5M
Shohei Ohtani earns a fortune as both a baseball player and a global marketing icon. Ohtani rightly deserves widespread celebration for his extraordinary talent as both a pitcher and designated hitter. Notably, he joined the exclusive 40/40 club in just 129 games, as reported by FOX Sports.
It is understandable, then, that this Japanese superstar is the face of over 20 major brands, including Seiko Watch, Kose, and New Balance, all contributing to his US$102.5 million earnings.
10. Kevin Durant - US$101.4M
With paychecks totaling US$101.4 million, Kevin Durant rightfully rounds out the top 10 list. The Phoenix Suns star continues to demonstrate dominance not only in the NBA but also in the business world.
Sponsorships from major brands like Nike, Fanatics, and FanDuel, combined with his investments in over 80 companies, clearly serve as his unmatched ability to leverage his fame for long-term success. Durant is also consistently ranked among the highest-paid NBA players.
While these athletes come from different sports, they have one thing in common: the ability to leverage talent, fame, and brand power to build vast personal fortunes. For a similar story with a bit of a twist, let’s discover the most expensive NFL players’ cars.
Editor’s Choice: Discovering Peranakan Art and Culture in Sentosa
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
