Top Paid Athletes by Total Earnings
The latest Forbes list of the highest paid athletes shows Cristiano Ronaldo leading with estimated total earnings above 275 million dollars, driven by his salary at Al Nassr and major endorsement deals Forbes. Lionel Messi follows with total income near 130 million dollars, combining his MLS contract with Inter Miami and global brand partnerships.
Canelo Alvarez ranks among the top earners with roughly 50 million dollars in total income, relying heavily on fight purses and pay per view shares Forbes. Dak Prescott, LeBron James, and Tom Brady also appear on the list, reflecting the mix of large guaranteed contracts and long term endorsement portfolios.
How Athletes Earn Most of Their Income
For most top earners, salary and fight purse make up the largest share of annual income, especially for players in the NFL, NBA, soccer, and boxing Forbes. Guaranteed money in team sports and share of pay per view revenue in combat sports create predictable multi year earnings streams.
Endorsements and business ventures add another major layer, with athletes signing deals with brands like Nike, Adidas, Red Bull, and Crypto.com Forbes. Many top earners also invest in startups, media companies, and sports teams, which can increase their net worth even when their playing careers end.
Trends Shaping Athlete Pay in 2025
Global Leagues and New Contracts
Soccer leagues in Saudi Arabia, the MLS, and top European clubs are offering record contracts that push athletes higher on the earnings list Forbes. These deals are supported by large sponsorship pools and national broadcast agreements.
Media Rights and Streaming
Growing media rights values for leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and Premier League translate into higher player shares and stronger salary caps Forbes. Streaming platforms also expand global audiences, which increases the value of athlete endorsements and league partnerships.
Crypto and Brand Deals
Crypto exchanges and fintech brands continue to sign major athlete deals, though some contracts have shifted toward more performance based and long term structures Forbes. Athletes who build personal brands across social media and content platforms can command higher fees from sponsors.
Investment and Business Income
Many top earners use their playing income to fund private equity