Athlete
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World 2025
Forbes and Sportico 2025 data reveals the athletes generating the most income from salaries, prize money, endorsements, and business ventures combined. Saudi Arabia's football spending and the expanding global endorsement market have pushed total athlete earnings to historic highs.
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Frequently asked questions
How are the earnings calculated for the top 10 highest-paid athletes list?
Earnings include on-field salary and winnings plus off-field endorsements, licensing, and appearance fees, typically based on the most recent 12-month period as tracked by Forbes.
Which sports usually dominate the top 10 highest-paid athletes list?
Soccer and basketball players historically dominate the list, with occasional appearances from golf, tennis, boxing, and American football stars.
Who is typically the highest-paid athlete in the world?
In recent years, soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have often held the top spot, though boxers or other athletes may occasionally rank first depending on major fight purses.
How often is the list of highest-paid athletes updated?
Forbes releases its annual list of the world's highest-paid athletes each year, typically in May or June, covering earnings from the previous year.
What is the approximate minimum earnings needed to make the top 10 highest-paid athletes list?
The threshold varies yearly, but in recent editions athletes needed around $50–70 million in combined earnings to rank among the top 10.
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