- By Ridam Sharma
- Thu, 08 May 2025 04:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World: The world is packed with talented and phenomenal athletes who, through immense hard work, make a name for themselves. Some of these athletes also possess huge fan following, which significantly make them garner massive wealth. These prominent sports stars make impressive business off and on-pitch through hefty salaries, big brand endorsements and even through their social media presence. All of which highlights how commercial popularity and worldwide fame fuel the richest and highest-paid sports stars today. The current list of highest-paid athletes is dominated by football, golf and basketball players.
List Of Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes In the World, According To Forbes:
| Rank | Player Name | Sport | Nationality | Earnings (USD) | Earnings (RS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | Portugal | $260 million | 2,228.46 crore |
| 2 | Jon Rahm | Golf | Spain | $218 million | 1,868.98 crore |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Football | Argentine | $135 million | 1,157.09 crore |
| 4 | LeBron James | Basketball | United States | $128.2 million | 1,099.05 crore |
| 5 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Basketball | Greece | $111 million | 951.38 crore |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappé | Football | France | $110 million | 942.81 crore |
| 7 | Neymar | Football | Brazil | $108 million | 925.79 crore |
| 8 | Karim Benzema | Football | France | $106 million | 908.77 crore |
| 9 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | United States | $102 million | 874.72 crore |
| 10 | Lamar Jackson | American Football | United States | $100.5 million | 861.03 crore |
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese football legend is the highest-paid athlete in the world with a whopping salary of Rs 2,228.46 crore from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, endorsements and business deals. Ronaldo's earnings highlight the wealth of the Middle Eastern football clubs and his huge and timeless global brand value.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Jon Rahm
A Spanish golf star, Jon Rahm, is the second-highest-paid athlete in the world with a massive salary of Rs 1,868.98 crore. All thanks to his LIV Golf, which had a high-paying contract on offer and his sponsorship, which highly contributes to his earnings.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Lionel Messi
The phenomenal Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi, is the third-highest-paid athlete in the world. He made Rs 1,157.09 crore last year, which was divided by his Inter Miami salary and big brand endorsements.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
LeBron James
Basketball's largest celebrity, LeBron James, earns Rs 1,099.05 crore. His impressive earnings come from his NBA salary and major endorsement contracts, along with investments in entertainment and business.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Greek hoop star Giannis Antetokounmpo earns Rs 951.38 crore, with his NBA deal and increasing endorsement deals as his career is catapulting in worldwide dynamics.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Kylian Mbappe
French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé earns Rs 942.81 crore, all thanks to his Paris Saint-Germain fee and endorsements. Additionally, he is one of the youngest athletes on the list.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Neymar
Brazilian soccer player Neymar earns Rs 925.79 crore from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and high-paying sponsorships.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Karim Benzema
French forward Karim Benzema earns Rs 908.77 crore, which is fueled by a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad and a few branded endorsements.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry rakes in $105.8 million, as he takes his NBA salary and top endorsements and business ventures in the tech and media industries.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
Jared Goff
The list of the top 10 highest-paid athletes concludes with Jared Goff, who is the NFL quarterback and made Rs 861.03 crore, which mostly comes from his Detroit Lions deal and a small endorsement revenue.
World’s Highest-Paid Athlete (Image Credit: Instagram)
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