When you think about the biggest names in sports, it’s hard not to wonder who’s cashing the fattest checks. The top ten highest paid athletes in the world isn’t just a list of great players; it’s a peek into a universe where talent meets insane money. We’re talking about the kind of cash that doesn’t just come from scoring goals or sinking jumpers, it’s the endorsement deals with big brands, the sneaker lines, and sometimes even their own businesses that push their bank accounts into the stratosphere. People love digging into this stuff because it’s wild to see who’s leading the pack and how they’re stacking up those millions.
Picture this: soccer icons sharing the stage with basketball giants, tennis champs, and maybe even a golfer or two, all pulling in sums that make your head spin. It’s not just about what they earn on game day. Brands are throwing money at them to wear their logos, slap their names on products, or just flash that winning smile in an ad. And the fans? They can’t get enough of finding out who’s number one, how the tenth spot still dwarfs most people’s lifetime earnings, or what sport keeps churning out these money machines.
What’s cool is how it’s always shifting. One year, a football star might rule the list; the next, a boxer climbs the ranks after a mega fight. Social media plays a part too, some of these athletes turn followers into dollars like it’s a side hustle. Whether you’re into sports or just love a good rags to riches story, the top ten highest paid athletes in the world is a goldmine of jaw dropping stats and tales of hustle that keep you hooked.
Top Ten Highest Paid Athlete In The World in 2025
10. Lamar Jackson – $100.5 Million
Sport: American Football
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Earnings Breakdown: $98.5 million on-field, $2 million off-field
Details: Jackson’s earnings stem from his five-year, $260 million contract with the Ravens, signed in 2023, with $185 million guaranteed. His off-field income is modest, reflecting fewer endorsement deals compared to other top athletes. His dynamic play continues to drive his value in the NFL.
9. Stephen Curry – $102 Million
Sport: Basketball
Team: Golden State Warriors
Earnings Breakdown: $52 million on-field, $50 million off-field
Details: Curry’s $52 million comes from his NBA salary, with a 2024-25 season figure of $55,761,216 prorated for the Forbes period. His $50 million off-field earnings are fueled by Under Armour, Chase, and other partnerships, enhanced by his global appeal and recent Olympic success.
8. Karim Benzema – $106 Million
Sport: Football
Team: Al-Ittihad
Earnings Breakdown: $100 million on-field, $6 million off-field
Details: Benzema’s $100 million on-field earnings reflect his lucrative Al-Ittihad contract in the Saudi Pro League, signed in 2023. His $6 million off-field income comes from endorsements like Adidas, complementing his storied career, including a 2022 Ballon d’Or.
7. Neymar – $108 Million
Sport: Football
Team: Santos (as of January 2025; Al Hilal during 2024 earnings period)
Earnings Breakdown: $80 million on-field, $28 million off-field
Details: Neymar’s 2024 earnings of $108 million were earned primarily at Al Hilal, where he made $80 million on-field before terminating his contract in January 2025. His $28 million off-field income comes from Puma, Red Bull, and other deals. 2025 Santos Contract Update: Neymar now earns a base salary of approximately $500,000 per month (about $6 million annually) at Santos, plus 80% to 90% of commercial deals, potentially boosting his monthly income to $833,000 to $1 million (up to $12 million annually). This represents a significant pay cut from his Al Hilal days, but his marketability remains strong.
6. Kylian Mbappé – $110 Million
Sport: Football
Team: Real Madrid (as of summer 2024)
Earnings Breakdown: $90 million on-field, $20 million off-field
Details: Mbappé’s 2024 earnings reflect his PSG salary of $90 million during the Forbes period (May 2023-May 2024), before his move to Real Madrid. His $20 million off-field income comes from Nike and Hublot. 2025 Real Madrid Salary Update: Mbappé’s current gross annual salary at Real Madrid is €31.25 million (about $33.7 million USD), effective from his 2024 transfer, positioning him for higher future earnings.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $111 Million
Sport: Basketball
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Earnings Breakdown: $46 million on-field, $65 million off-field
Details: Antetokounmpo’s $46 million on-field earnings come from his Bucks salary, while his $65 million off-field income is driven by Nike, Google, and PepsiCo deals. His global appeal and inspiring story keep him a financial powerhouse in the NBA.
4. LeBron James – $128.4 Million
Sport: Basketball
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Earnings Breakdown: $48.2 million on-field, $80 million off-field
Details: James earned $48.2 million from his Lakers salary in 2024, with $80 million from off-field ventures like Nike and SpringHill Company. His status as a billionaire and global brand ensures his off-field earnings dwarf his on-court pay.
3. Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Sport: Football
Team: Inter Miami CF
Earnings Breakdown: $65 million on-field, $70 million off-field
Details: Messi’s $65 million on-field earnings come from his Inter Miami contract, while $70 million off-field reflects Adidas, Pepsi, and Apple deals. His MLS impact and seven Ballon d’Or awards keep him among the top earners.
2. Jon Rahm – $218 Million
Sport: Golf
Team: LIV Golf
Earnings Breakdown: $198 million on-field, $20 million off-field
Details: Rahm’s $198 million on-field earnings stem from his LIV Golf deal, including a reported $300 million signing bonus in 2023. His $20 million off-field income complements his Major-winning career, showcasing golf’s financial shift.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $260 Million
Sport: Football
Team: Al Nassr
Earnings Breakdown: $200 million on-field, $60 million off-field
Details: Ronaldo’s $200 million on-field earnings from Al Nassr’s contract make him the highest-paid athlete, with $60 million off-field from Nike and CR7 ventures. His scoring prowess at 40 keeps him atop the financial leaderboard.
