The richest athletes in the world by net worth are more than just sporting legends—they are global icons, entrepreneurs, and empire builders. As of 2025, the list reveals how sports stars have transformed their fame into long-lasting wealth through endorsements, business ventures, brand building, and investments. From the basketball court to the wrestling ring, from football pitches to racing circuits, the world’s top athletes are cashing in far beyond the game.
In today’s globalized sports economy, it’s not just about who plays the best—it’s about who brands the best. Athletes now own stakes in sports teams, entertainment companies, clothing brands, restaurants, and tech startups. The top earners often come from sports with high media exposure, like basketball, football (soccer), wrestling, and golf, particularly in North America and Europe. But rising stars from South America, Asia, and Oceania are also making waves. This article explores the top 10 and provides a detailed look at the top 50 richest athletes in the world today.
Top 10 Richest Athletes in the World by Net Worth (2025)
- Michael Jordan (United States) – $3.6 Billion
- Vince McMahon (United States) – $3.2 Billion
- Ion Țiriac (Romania) – $2.0 Billion
- Junior Bridgeman (United States) – $1.5 Billion
- Anna Kasprzak (Denmark) – $1.0 Billion
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – $850 Million
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – $800 Million
- LeBron James (United States) – $800 Million
- Magic Johnson (United States) – $800 Million
- Dwayne Johnson (United States) – $800 Million
At the top of the list stands Michael Jordan, whose fortune exploded thanks to his long-standing partnership with Nike’s Jordan Brand, investments in NBA franchises, and his stake in Jordan Capital Ventures. Right behind him is Vince McMahon, who redefined sports entertainment and built the WWE empire, recently merging with UFC to form a multi-billion-dollar business.
Surprises include Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who turned a modest basketball career into a restaurant empire. Anna Kasprzak, a Danish equestrian, stands out as the wealthiest female athlete on the list, inheriting wealth from her family’s ECCO shoe empire while also succeeding in dressage.
Football legends Messi and Ronaldo continue to earn through salaries and endorsements, while LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have diversified into media, fitness, and business investments—proving that success beyond sports is the real game changer.
| # | Name | Sport(s) | Net Worth (USD) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Jordan | Basketball | $3.6 Billion | United States |
| 2 | Vince McMahon | Wrestling/Business | $3.2 Billion | United States |
| 3 | Ion Țiriac | Tennis/Ice Hockey | $2.0 Billion | Romania |
| 4 | Junior Bridgeman | Basketball/Business | $1.5 Billion | United States |
| 5 | Anna Kasprzak | Equestrian | $1.0 Billion | Denmark |
| 6 | Lionel Messi | Football (Soccer) | $850 Million | Argentina |
| 7 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Football (Soccer) | $800 Million | Portugal |
| 8 | LeBron James | Basketball | $800 Million | United States |
| 9 | Magic Johnson | Basketball | $800 Million | United States |
| 10 | Dwayne Johnson | Wrestling/Acting | $800 Million | United States |
| 11 | Tiger Woods | Golf | $800 Million | United States |
| 12 | Eddie Jordan | Formula 1 | $600 Million | Ireland |
| 13 | Michael Schumacher | Formula 1 | $600 Million | Germany |
| 14 | Roger Staubach | American Football | $600 Million | United States |
| 15 | Roger Federer | Tennis | $550 Million | Switzerland |
| 16 | Shaquille O’Neal | Basketball | $500 Million | United States |
| 17 | Vinnie Johnson | Basketball/Business | $500 Million | United States |
| 18 | David Beckham | Football (Soccer) | $450 Million | United Kingdom |
| 19 | Floyd Mayweather | Boxing | $400 Million | United States |
| 20 | Greg Norman | Golf | $400 Million | Australia |
| 21 | Jack Nicklaus | Golf | $400 Million | United States |
| 22 | Alex Rodriguez | Baseball | $350 Million | United States |
| 23 | Neymar | Football (Soccer) | $350 Million | Brazil |
| 24 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | NASCAR | $300 Million | United States |
| 25 | Fran Tarkenton | American Football | $300 Million | United States |
| 26 | George Foreman | Boxing | $300 Million | United States |
| 27 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Basketball | $300 Million | United States |
| 28 | Kevin Durant | Basketball | $300 Million | United States |
| 29 | Lewis Hamilton | Formula 1 | $300 Million | United Kingdom |
| 30 | Mario Lemieux | Ice Hockey | $300 Million | Canada |
| 31 | Paul Caddick | Rugby/Business | $300 Million | United Kingdom |
| 32 | Phil Mickelson | Golf | $300 Million | United States |
| 33 | Roger Goodell | NFL Commissioner | $300 Million | United States |
| 34 | Russell Westbrook | Basketball | $300 Million | United States |
| 35 | Serena Williams | Tennis | $300 Million | United States |
| 36 | Tom Brady | American Football | $300 Million | United States |
| 37 | Fernando Alonso | Formula 1 | $260 Million | Spain |
| 38 | Grant Hill | Basketball | $250 Million | United States |
| 39 | Kimi Räikkönen | Formula 1 | $250 Million | Finland |
| 40 | Kylian Mbappé | Football (Soccer) | $250 Million | France |
| 41 | Peyton Manning | American Football | $250 Million | United States |
| 42 | Rory McIlroy | Golf | $250 Million | United Kingdom |
| 43 | Canelo Álvarez | Boxing | $250 Million | Mexico |
| 44 | Stephanie McMahon | Wrestling/Business | $250 Million | United States |
| 45 | Triple H | Wrestling/Business | $250 Million | United States |
| 46 | Wayne Gretzky | Ice Hockey | $250 Million | Canada |
| 47 | Novak Djokovic | Tennis | $240 Million | Serbia |
| 48 | Stephen Curry | Basketball | $240 Million | United States |
| 49 | Manny Pacquiao | Boxing | $220 Million | Philippines |
| 50 | Rafael Nadal | Tennis | $220 Million | Spain |
Disclaimer: The net worth figures mentioned are based on publicly available data as of May 2025 and may vary due to investments, market conditions, and personal disclosures.
This list focuses on personal net worth, not annual earnings, and includes retired athletes who built wealth through business, endorsements, and investments.
Looking for athletes with the highest annual income? Check out our article: World’s Highest Paid Athletes
The extended Top 50 list shows that United States dominates the chart, especially in basketball, golf, and American football. Veterans like Shaquille O’Neal, Tiger Woods, and Tom Brady continue to benefit from sponsorships and smart post-retirement ventures.
Formula 1 racers like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Michael Schumacher prove motorsports’ immense financial reach. In boxing, names like Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Álvarez, and Manny Pacquiao have monetized their fame through promotions and endorsements.
It’s also notable how athletes like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic built global brand value alongside career success, showing the growing wealth potential in tennis.
The richest athletes in the world aren’t just winners on the field—they are investors, entertainers, and business moguls. As media influence and commercial reach grow, expect future athletes to cross the billion-dollar mark faster and earlier. These 50 legends prove that the business of sports is bigger than ever.
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