Everything you need to know about the monster earnings year from the sports world's biggest stars |
The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2025
For the third year in a row—and the fifth time overall—Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete. In the past 12 months, the 40-year-old soccer superstar has collected an estimated $275 million before taxes and agent fees, making it the third-best year by an active athlete ever measured by Forbes. We’ve been ranking athlete earnings every year since 1990, and 2025 marks only the second time that every member of the top 10 has made at least $100 million. |
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Why No Women Are Among The List’s Top 50
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis phenom, put together one of the best financial stretches for a female athlete ever measured by Forbes in 2024. But her estimated $34.4 million in total earnings wasn’t enough to rank among the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes, with her previous year’s total falling $19.2 million short of the threshold for inclusion. The absence of women at the top of the list largely comes down to salaries and prize money, which are tied to league revenue, with media rights playing arguably the most crucial role. |
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The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes 25 And Under
Five young sports stars each hauled in at least $55 million over the past year—two from the NFL, two from the world of soccer, and one who could very well be the next face of the NBA. The highest-paid among the 25 and Under crowd, with an estimated haul of $80.5 million, is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. That could surprise some fans—Lawrence’s professional career has only amounted to a 22-38 record. But his five-year, $275 million contract is that of an expected franchise player. |
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