Sports aren’t just about glory — they’re big business. In 2025, ten athletes rose to the top, earning more than any others across the globe. Here’s a closer look at who they are, what they do, and why their names dominate both the sports and financial worlds.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $275 million

A global icon of soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo still shines for Al‑Nassr and Portugal. At 40, he combines record‑breaking goals with a massive brand, making him the highest‑paid athlete of the year.

2. Stephen Curry — $156 million

The “baby‑faced assassin” of the NBA, Stephen Curry is the best shooter of all time. The Golden State Warriors star has reshaped the game with his long‑range precision and inspired a new generation of players.

3. Tyson Fury — $146 million

“The Gypsy King” of the boxing world, Tyson Fury has risen from controversy and personal struggles to dominate the heavyweight division, captivating fans with both his grit and charisma.

4. Dak Prescott — $137 million

Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott leads one of the biggest franchises in sports. Renowned for his resilience and leadership, he commands both respect on the field and a hefty salary off it.

5. Lionel Messi — $135 million

Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi is a soccer legend, now lighting up stadiums in the U.S. as an Inter Miami forward. His precision, flair, and humility have made him one of the most admired athletes of all time.

6.  LeBron James — $133.8 million

NBA icon LeBron James continues to dominate with the Los Angeles Lakers. Off the court, he’s a businessman, philanthropist, and role model for future generations.

7. Juan Soto — $114 million

A rising star in Major League Baseball, Juan Soto dazzles with his batting prowess. At just 26, he’s already a World Series champion and one of the best hitters in the game.

8. Karim Benzema — $104 million

French striker Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia’s Al‑Ittihad, continuing a career marked by precision finishing and a long list of trophies and accolades.

9. Shohei Ohtani — $102.5 million

A once‑in‑a‑century talent, Shohei Ohtani shines as both a pitcher and a hitter. The Japanese sensation has transformed the game of baseball, making him one of its biggest global stars.

10. Kevin Durant — $101.4 million

NBA powerhouse Kevin Durant is known for his unstoppable scoring and quiet dominance. A champion, Olympic gold medalist, and future Hall‑of‑Famer, he continues to redefine the game.

In a striking insight from 2024 data, no women made it into the top 100 highest‑paid athletes globally — a clear indicator of the earnings gap that still exists 

The highest‑paid female athlete, tennis star Coco Gauff, earned approximately $30.4 million, falling short of the $37.5 million threshold needed to break into the top 100.

This gap highlights the ongoing challenges female athletes face in reaching the highest levels of commercial compensation — even at the very pinnacle of sports success. Gauff’s achievement, earning over $30 million, is remarkable and points to progress, but the milestone has yet to surpass the benchmark of male athletes in the top 100.