Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes
From mega-deals in Saudi Arabia to lucrative endorsement empires, we rank the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world. See who is earning the most in sports.
The world of professional sports is a multi-billion dollar industry, and its biggest stars are commanding salaries and endorsement deals that are almost unbelievable. This list, based on Forbes' annual rankings, breaks down the top 10 highest-paid athletes, revealing the incredible earnings generated both on and off the field.
The top of the list is a testament to the global power of soccer, with two of the sport's greatest players leading the pack, followed by a global basketball icon with a massive business empire.
Let's get into the numbers and see who tops the list of the world's wealthiest athletes.
The Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World
10. Kevin Durant
Total Earnings: ~$89 million Sport: Basketball (NBA)
One of the most lethal scorers in NBA history, Kevin Durant's earnings are a mix of his substantial Phoenix Suns salary and a growing off-court business portfolio. His investment firm, 35V, has stakes in numerous companies, and he holds lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, which includes a lifetime contractâa rare honor for an athlete.
9. Roger Federer
Total Earnings: ~$95 million Sport: Tennis (Retired)
Even in retirement, Roger Federer remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, a testament to his enduring brand and smart investments. The vast majority of his income comes from a massive portfolio of endorsements, including long-term deals with Rolex, Uniqlo, and Mercedes-Benz. His stake in the Swiss shoe brand On is also a significant contributor to his wealth.
8. Stephen Curry
Total Earnings: ~$100 million Sport: Basketball (NBA)
The greatest shooter in NBA history, Stephen Curry's on-court salary with the Golden State Warriors is one of the highest in the league. Off the court, his brand is equally powerful. His signature shoe line with Under Armour is a massive business, and he has a growing media company, Unanimous Media, along with endorsements from brands like Chase and Rakuten.
7. Phil Mickelson
Total Earnings: ~$106 million Sport: Golf
A long-time PGA Tour star, Phil Mickelson's earnings skyrocketed after he became one of the most prominent players to join the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. The massive upfront payments from LIV Golf make up the bulk of his income, showcasing the disruptive financial power of the new league.
6. Dustin Johnson
Total Earnings: ~$107 million Sport: Golf
Another major beneficiary of the LIV Golf league, Dustin Johnson was one of the first big stars to make the jump from the PGA Tour. His earnings from tournament prizes and the lucrative LIV contract have placed him among the world's highest-paid athletes. He also maintains several endorsements, including with TaylorMade and Adidas.
5. Canelo Ălvarez
Total Earnings: ~$110 million Sport: Boxing
As the undisputed face of modern boxing, Canelo Ălvarez commands massive paydays for his blockbuster fights. His earnings come directly from the prize money and pay-per-view sales of his bouts. The Mexican superstar is one of the few athletes on this list whose income is almost entirely derived from his on-field (or in-ring) performance.
4. LeBron James
Total Earnings: ~$120 million Sport: Basketball (NBA)
Arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, LeBron James is also a business mogul. While his salary from the Los Angeles Lakers is substantial, his off-court earnings are nearly double that. He was the first active NBA player to become a billionaire, thanks to his lifetime Nike deal, his SpringHill Company entertainment empire, and smart investments in companies like Blaze Pizza.
3. Kylian Mbappé
Total Earnings: ~$120 million Sport: Soccer
The French football prodigy has one of the largest on-field salaries in all of sports from his club, Paris Saint-Germain. He also has a growing list of endorsements, including Nike and the watchmaker Hublot. As one of the most marketable young stars in the world's most popular sport, his earning potential is only just beginning.
2. Lionel Messi
Total Earnings: ~$130 million Sport: Soccer
After his high-profile move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi's earnings structure is one of the most unique in sports. It includes not only a substantial salary but also equity in the team and revenue-sharing agreements with Apple and Adidas. This groundbreaking deal, combined with his massive portfolio of endorsements, keeps him near the top of the list.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Total Earnings: ~$136 million Sport: Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has made him the highest-paid athlete in the world. The massive on-field salary is supplemented by his global brand power, including a lifetime deal with Nike and his own CR7 brand of apparel, hotels, and gyms. His immense social media following also makes him a highly sought-after marketing partner.
Summary Table: Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | ~$136 million |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Soccer | ~$130 million |
| 3 | Kylian Mbappé | Soccer | ~$120 million |
| 4 | LeBron James | Basketball | ~$120 million |
| 5 | Canelo Ălvarez | Boxing | ~$110 million |
| 6 | Dustin Johnson | Golf | ~$107 million |
| 7 | Phil Mickelson | Golf | ~$106 million |
| 8 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | ~$100 million |
| 9 | Roger Federer | Tennis | ~$95 million |
| 10 | Kevin Durant | Basketball | ~$89 million |
Note: Earnings are estimates based on a one-year period, typically from May to May, and include both on-field and off-field income.
Conclusion
The astronomical earnings of these top athletes reflect the massive global reach and commercial power of modern sports. What's particularly striking is how these superstars have transformed themselves from mere athletes into global brands and business empires, with many earning significantly more from endorsements and business ventures than from their actual sporting performances.
The dominance of soccer players at the top of this list underscores the sport's unparalleled global popularity and the massive financial resources flowing into the game, particularly from emerging markets like Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the presence of basketball stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry highlights the NBA's success in creating global superstars with diverse income streams.
These earnings also tell a story of the evolving sports landscape, where traditional revenue sources are being supplemented and often eclipsed by innovative business models, social media influence, and strategic investments. Athletes are no longer just performers; they're entrepreneurs, influencers, and cultural icons.
As sports continue to grow globally and new markets emerge, we can expect these numbers to keep climbing. The next generation of athletes will likely find even more creative ways to monetize their fame and talent, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in athlete earnings.
The future of sports is not just about what happens on the field, court, or courseâit's about building lasting legacies that extend far beyond athletic competition.