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Mahomes and LeBron still chasing the biggest sports earners on the planet
The updated list of the highest-paid athletes was released with Ronaldo, Mahomes and LeBron all present.
The United States continues to have a growing impact both on and off the pitches and courts of thr world.
Sportico and Esquire released the list of the highest-paid athletes of 2025 where plenty of US-based stars have been rewarded with huge contracts that place them among the world’s top-earning athletes.
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Which athlete has the highest salary in the world?
According to the data, Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning an estimated $267.12 million per year. His income comes from a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr—currently in the process of renewal—along with image rights and multiple commercial deals.
Jon Rahm, the Spanish golfer, is the surprise name on the list. With earnings of close to $200 million, it’s safe to say not many would have expected him to be up there.
And here’s where the USA start to get involved: Lionel Messi follows with earnings of $126 million, primarily from endorsement deals. Meanwhile, Mbappé rounds out the top 5 with $121.5 million, but not before LeBron James squeezes his name onto the list.
The 10 highest paid athletes in the world
As said, Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list that includes golf, NBA, NFL and Formula 1 athletes:
1- Cristiano Ronaldo: $267.12 million
2- Jon Rahm: $197.19 million
3- Lionel Messi: ·126 million
4- LeBron James: $122.22 million
5- Kylian Mbappé: $121.59 million
6- Stephen Curry: $95.76 million
7- Kevin Durant: $86.9 million
8- Giannis Antetokounmpo: $85.68 million
9- Patrick Mahomes: $81.9 million
10- Max Verstappen: $73.08 million
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