Top 10 Richest Players in the World by Net Worth in 2025

Have you ever wondered who the richest players in the world are in 2025?

There’s no doubt that sports have long been a breeding ground for extraordinary riches. Here, pure talent, consistent dedication, and sharp business deals transform players into global icons and billionaires.

In 2025, the race to be the wealthiest athlete is fiercer than ever, with players expanding their fame to build empires that go far beyond the field, court, or track.

That’s why we have listed the Top 10 Richest Players in the World, offering a closer look at the careers, earnings, and investments that have fueled their massive net worths.

List of Top 10 Richest Players in the World By Net Worth (2025)

Note: The following list showcases only current players, no former or retired athletes, who have built their net worth from scratch rather than inheriting it.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football)

• Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
• Sport: Football

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the title of the richest player in the world, mainly due to his record-breaking $700M contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and a global endorsement empire.

In 2025, Ronaldo earned about $225 million on-field, the highest salary in professional sport, fueled by his Al Nassr deal and performance bonuses.

Off the field, he made another $50 million through sponsorships with Nike, Binance, and Clear, as well as profits from his lifestyle brand CR7.

He also owns some of the world’s most expensive assets, including a $23.4 million luxury car collection, a $20 million private jet, and multiple properties in Madeira, Madrid, and Riyadh.

This makes Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth 2025 stand at $1.4 billion.

Ronaldo also invests in wellness and tech startups such as Whoop, Bioniq, and Vista Alegre, while his YouTube and social-media channels generate millions in passive income.

2. LeBron James (Basketball)

• Net Worth: $1.3 billion
• Sport: Basketball

American basketball icon LeBron James became the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status.

In 2025, LeBron earned around $48.8 million on-court, one of the highest salaries in the league, as part of his extended deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. This validates his status as one of the highest-paid athletes of all time.

Off the court, he generated another $85 million through endorsements with Nike, Beats by Dre, and AT&T, along with profits from his ventures like SpringHill Entertainment, Blaze Pizza, and Lobos 1707 Tequila.

LeBron’s assets include a $36 million mansion in Beverly Hills, a $23 million home in Los Angeles, and luxury car collections worth millions. He also holds stakes in Fenway Sports Group, making him a part-owner of Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox.

Beyond wealth, LeBron is deeply philanthropic through his I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio.

3. Tiger Woods (Golf)

• Net Worth: $1.3 billion
• Sport: Golf

American golfer Tiger Woods is the richest active golfer in the world, due to his historic golf dominance and a powerful lineup of long-term brand endorsements.

In 2025, Woods earned around $50 million on-field, including appearance fees, tournament winnings, and performance bonuses, despite playing a limited schedule due to injuries.

Off the course, he made another $50 million from sponsorships with Nike, Rolex, Monster Energy, and Bridgestone, along with income from his company TGR Ventures, which manages golf course design, events, and hospitality.

Among his most expensive assets are a $54 million Jupiter Island mansion, a private jet valued at $48 million, and a 155-foot yacht named “Privacy.” These reflect his long-term financial discipline and lifestyle success.

Woods has also given back through the TGR Foundation, which has provided scholarships, learning programs, and STEM education for over two million underserved students worldwide.

4. Lionel Messi (Football)

• Net Worth: $850 Million
• Sport: Football

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, with 8 Ballon d’Ors, is among the top 10 richest footballers in the world 2025.

In 2025, Messi earned about $60 million on-field, largely from his Major League Soccer salary and performance incentives that boosted Inter Miami’s ticket sales and global reach. He recently renewed his Inter Miami contract with a 3-year extension worth $60 million per year.

Off the field, he made another $75 million through endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser, along with returns from his businesses, including MiM Hotels, Messi Store, and his sports drink Mas+.

Messi’s most prized assets include a $10 million mansion in Barcelona, luxury cars such as the Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti, and several real estate investments across Europe and South America.

Overall, Lionel Messi net worth 2025 is $850 Million USD.

5. Neymar Jr

• Net Worth: $330 Million
• Sport: Football

Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr had a $300 million contract with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and a long list of global endorsements, which makes him one of the richest players in the world.

In 2025, Neymar earned around $80 million on-field, including bonuses and appearance fees, even while recovering from injury during the season. His Saudi Pro League deal remains one of the most expensive in football history.

Off the field, he brought in roughly $25 million through brand partnerships with Puma, Red Bull, and PokerStars, and from his investments in real estate and gaming ventures.

He owns some of the most extravagant assets among athletes, including a $10 million private jet, a $7 million yacht, and multiple luxury homes in Brazil and France.

Neymar has supported numerous causes through the Neymar Jr Institute, which provides education and healthcare programs for thousands of children in his hometown of Praia Grande.

6. Kevin Durant (basketball)

• Net Worth: $300 Million
• Sport: Basketball

Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns.

In 2025, Durant earned around $51.4 million on-court, playing for the Phoenix Suns, where he remains one of the league’s top scorers and highest-paid veterans. He also signed a 2-year extension with the Rockets recently.

Off the court, he made about $50 million from endorsements with Nike, Google, and Fanatics, and through his investment firm Thirty Five Ventures, which holds stakes in Postmates, Coinbase, and Acorns.

Durant’s asset portfolio includes a $30 million real estate collection across California and New York and a set of luxury cars worth millions. He also owns part of several sports franchises through investment groups, strengthening his financial footprint.

He’s known for giving back through the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, which has built basketball courts and funded youth programs in underprivileged communities across the U.S. and globally.

7. Russell Westbrook (basketball)

• Net Worth: $300 million
• Sport: Basketball

Russell Westbrook, an NBA MVP and triple-double machine, has played for teams like the Thunder, Lakers, and Clippers.

In 2025, Westbrook earned around $10 million on-court, playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, while his total 2024 earnings, including endorsements, reached nearly $60 million.

Off the court, he earns millions annually through his endorsements with Jordan Brand, Nike, and Pepsi, as well as profits from his clothing line Honor the Gift, which has grown into a full-fledged streetwear brand.

Among his top assets are a $37 million mansion in Los Angeles, multiple luxury vehicles, and valuable art and watch collections.

Westbrook’s philanthropic work shines through his Why Not? Foundation, which supports at-risk youth with education, mentorship, and community projects in Los Angeles and Oklahoma City.

8. Saúl Álvarez aka Canelo (boxing)

• Net Worth: $275 Million
• Sport: Boxing

Mexican boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez converted multi-division boxing titles and massive pay-per-view contracts into a global brand.

In 2025, Canelo earned around $55 million on-field, including fight purses, performance bonuses, and profit shares from pay-per-view sales.

Off the ring, he brought in another $20 million through endorsements with Hennessy, Everlast, and Tecate, along with profits from his ventures such as Canelo Energy gas stations, Canelo Promotions, and his fitness brand, Boxing & Fitness.

Among his most expensive assets are a $15 million mansion in Guadalajara, a fleet of luxury cars including a Bugatti Chiron, and multiple business properties across Mexico.

Canelo also supports local communities by funding boxing gyms, sponsoring young athletes, and donating to medical aid programs for underprivileged children.

9. Stephen Curry (basketball)

• Net Worth: $240 Million
• Sport: Basketball

American basketball player Stephen Curry is one of the richest players in the world due to his $62.6 million for one-year NBA contracts with the Golden State Warriors and his strong off-court business empire.

In 2025, Curry earned around $56 million on-court, making him one of the NBA’s highest-paid athletes, thanks to his long-term extension with the Warriors and multiple performance bonuses.

Off the court, he made nearly $100 million from his lifetime partnership with Under Armour, along with brand deals with Chase, Rakuten, and Google. His media company, Unanimous Media, produces films and TV content, while his investments in Whistle Sports and Nirvana Water continue to grow.

Among his most valuable assets are a $30 million mansion in California, luxury cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and a portfolio of tech startup investments in Silicon Valley.

Curry is also known for his philanthropy through the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Ayesha to combat childhood hunger and fund education programs across the U.S.

10. Jon Rahm

• Net Worth: $218 Million
• Sport: Golf

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, 31, made history with his record $300 million LIV contract, becoming one of golf’s highest-earning champions.

In 2025, Rahm earned about $100 million on-field, primarily from his LIV Golf signing bonus, tournament winnings, and appearance fees. His move from the PGA Tour to LIV in late 2023 remains one of the most lucrative transfers in golf history.

Off the course, Rahm earns millions from endorsements with Mercedes-Benz, Rolex, and Blue Yonder, as well as sponsorship deals with several Spanish brands.

He owns an impressive collection of assets, including a $10 million mansion in Arizona, a fleet of luxury vehicles, and multiple investments in golf course design and real estate ventures.

Rahm is also committed to giving back, supporting Spanish junior golf programs and mental health initiatives through the Jon Rahm Foundation.

Well, that’s the end of the list of the richest players in the world! Now, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture with some takeaways.

Fascinating Insights Into The List Of The Richest Players

Here are some key trends shaping the financial future of the richest players in the world in 2025:

1. Saudi Money Is Changing the Game

Saudi Arabia’s massive investments have reshaped sports economics. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Jon Rahm have signed record-breaking deals tied to the country’s growing sports empire, raising the earning bar for athletes worldwide.

2. Basketball’s Billionaire Era

The NBA remains a wealth powerhouse. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant earn nearly as much off the court as on it, thanks to broadcasting rights, global endorsements, and ownership stakes that have turned them into billion-dollar brands.

3. Golf’s LIV-Driven Revolution

The LIV Golf League has completely redefined golf’s earning potential. Big contracts and signing bonuses have helped players like Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm secure some of the highest payouts in sports history.

4. Footballers Still Rule the World

Football remains the most profitable sport, with icons like Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar leading in both salary and endorsements. Their global reach and marketability keep footballers consistently at the top of any richest players list.

5. Athletes Turned Entrepreneurs

Players are increasingly becoming brand owners, not just endorsers. From Ronaldo’s CR7 and LeBron’s SpringHill Entertainment to Curry’s Unanimous Media, sports stars are using their fame to build lasting business empires.

6. Wealth with Purpose

Nearly every athlete on the list runs a charitable foundation. Whether it’s LeBron’s I PROMISE School or Messi’s Foundation, philanthropy has become central to how these players define their legacy.

FAQs

1. Who is the richest player in the world right now?

Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest player in the world in 2025, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, earned through football contracts, endorsements, and his CR7 brand.

2. Who’s the richest football player in the world?

The richest footballer in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo, who built his $1.4 billion networth through sports and business ventures. But when it comes to inherited fortune, Faiq Bolkiah technically tops the list with a $20 billion net worth. 

3. Other than Ronaldo and Messi, who are the richest football players in the world?

The top 5 richest footballers in the world by earnings are:

• Karim Benzema – $104 million
• Kylian Mbappé – $95 million
• Erling Haaland – $80 million
• Vinícius Júnior – $60 million
• Mohamed Salah – $55 million

4. Who is the No. 1 richest cricketer in the world?

The richest cricketer in the world is Sachin Tendulkar, with an estimated net worth of $170 million, built from his cricket career, endorsements, and business investments.