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

Have you ever wondered who the richest players in the world are, earning fortunes that most of us can only dream of?

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, decisions, and investments that have fueled their astonishing net worths.

But before moving on to the list, let’s set the stage with some stats and trends that reveal the evolving landscape of wealth in sports.

Fascinating insights of the list

1. Combined Total Net Worth:

The combined net worth of the top 10 richest players in the world totals a massive $25.538 billion, with half the amount belonging to the top-ranked athlete!

2. Male Dominance in Rankings:

Despite advancements in women’s sports, no female athlete makes this list. This shows the gender pay gap in endorsements and contracts. Historical comparisons show that female athletes earned only 1/4 of the percentage that males earned in similar sports roles.

3. Evolution of Sports Wealth:

Footballers dominated the list of richest athletes earlier, but basketball players have risen significantly in recent years due to profitable broadcasting rights and global sponsorships.

Note: This following list showcases only current players—no former or retired athletes—making it an honest reflection of the current sports landscape.

Top 10 Richest Sportsmen in the World (2025)

1. Faiq Bolkiah (Football)

• Net Worth: $20 billion
• Sport: Football

Based on Net worth, Faiq Bolkiah, 26, is the richest player in the world right now. This fortune comes from his lineage as a member of Brunei’s royal family.

Born on May 9, 1998, Faiq began his football journey in England, joining AFC Newbury’s youth team before moving to Southampton’s academy in 2009.

Despite his family’s immense wealth, Faiq pursued football with genuine passion, playing for clubs like Chelsea, Leicester City, and Portugal’s Marítimo. In 2023, he signed with Ratchaburi FC in Thailand’s top league.

Unlike many top athletes, Faiq doesn’t rely on endorsements for income and leads a surprisingly simple lifestyle. He earns a monthly salary of approximately $2,900 from Ratchaburi FC, drives a Toyota Yaris, and resides in a modest condo. 

His wealth is primarily tied to his family’s vast assets, including investments in oil and natural gas, rather than personal earnings from football. This makes him one of the top 10 richest player in the world.

2. Tiger Woods (Golf)

• Net Worth: $1.3 billion
• Sport: Golf

At 48, Tiger Woods is more than just a golf legend—he’s built a billion-dollar brand. Turning pro in 1996, Tiger made an immediate impact by winning the 1997 Masters at just 21 years old.

Tiger’s dominance on the course is well-known with 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour wins. But his influence stretches far beyond golf. Through endorsements with brands like Nike, Rolex, and Bridgestone, he has become one of the highest-paid athletes in history.

Tiger has also smartly expanded his wealth. Through his company, TGR Ventures, he’s involved in golf course design and owns a popular restaurant, The Woods Jupiter.

If that’s not fascinating enough, Tiger Wood’s assets also include a private jet, a luxury yacht, and a stunning mansion on Jupiter Island.

Even in 2024, with fewer appearances on the course, Tiger earned around $50 million—mostly from his endorsement deals and a $10 million bonus from the Player Impact Program. 

Tiger’s career earnings of $120.999 million are a testament to his lasting legacy, not just as a golfer, but as a savvy businessman, and as one of the richest players in the world.

3. LeBron James (Basketball)

• Net Worth: $1.2 billion
• Sport: Basketball

LeBron James, at 40, is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. James is also the first active NBA player to become a billionaire.

Born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, LeBron was a basketball prodigy from a young age. He joined the NBA straight out of high school in 2003 and quickly became the face of the NBA.

LeBron James led teams to four NBA championships and collected four MVP awards. But it’s not only this on-court success that has made him an icon, it’s his businessman attitude that has taken his wealth to new heights.

For instance, LeBron has built a vast empire through endorsements, media, and investments. His deals with Nike, Coca-Cola, and Beats by Dre have earned him millions! His investments in Blaze Pizza, SpringHill Entertainment, and Fenway Sports Group have also helped his fortune grow.

In the 2024 offseason, LeBron signed a $101.4 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. For the 2024-25 season, his pre-tax salary is $48.7 million, undoubtedly the amount deserved for being one of the richest players in the world!

Moreover, LeBron is committed to giving back through his I PROMISE School, which provides education to underprivileged children in Akron. Therefore, his wealth reflects his focus on building a legacy, both on and off the court.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football)

• Net Worth: $923 million
• Sport: Football

At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo has a net worth of $923 million, making him one of the richest footballer in the world.

Born on February 5, 1985, in Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo began his professional career at 16. He has won five Ballon d’Ors, four European Golden Shoes, and 33 senior trophies with clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.

Other than on-field, Ronaldo also earns millions from deals with Nike, Clear, and Herbalife. His CR7 brand, which includes clothing and fragrances, has also added to his wealth.

In addition to his earnings, Ronaldo owns luxury assets like watercraft, private planes, mansions, and exotic cars collection worth $23.4 million.

In 2024, Ronaldo’s total earnings were $200 million on-field and $60 million off-field, thanks to his $200 million annual contract with Al Nassr, which runs through 2025. He’s also owed $10.5 million from his former club, Juventus. These investments and deals make Ronaldo ace the listing of the richest footballers in the world in terms of earnings.

5. Lionel Messi (Football)

• Net Worth: $600 million
• Sport: Football

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi began his football journey at FC Barcelona. Messi joined the youth team at just 13, made his first-team debut at 17, and went on to become one of the richest football players in the world today.

With eight Ballon d’Ors and over 850 goals, Messi’s legacy is cemented in football history. In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), continuing to grow his iconic career.

Messi’s wealth isn’t just from football. He has many endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. 

Messi has also invested in his hotel chain, MiM Hotels, and has partnered with Mastercard and Jacob & Co., further expanding his business empire.

Among his many assets, Messi owns Casa Canut, a five-star hotel in Andorra, which reportedly makes over $400 million a month. He also owns a $15 million Gulfstream V jet for his travel.

Moreover, in 2024, Messi earned approximately $135 million, with $65 million from on-field and $70 million from off-field earnings, largely driven by endorsements. These factors bring Messi in the top 5 richest player in the world.

6. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Boxing)

• Net Worth: $400 million
• Sport: Boxing

At 47, Floyd Mayweather is a boxing icon with a fortune of $1.2 billion. He started boxing at 7 and turned pro in 1996, eventually winning 15 world titles and becoming one of the richest players in the world.

Floyd Mayweather also broke earnings records with fights like his bout against Conor McGregor, which brought in $400 million. In another fight, he also made headlines earning $20 million for a six-minute knockout!

Mayweather has made deals with Hublot, Gucci, and Burger King. Also, his promotional company, Mayweather Promotions, adds to his list of fortune.

Moreover, Floyd’s luxury car collection includes a Bentley Mulsanne, Bugatti Veyron, and a rare Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita — one of only two in the world!!

Mayweather also supports charities like the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation, keeping the philanthropist spirit alive.

In 2024, Mayweather earned around $20 million, mainly from business ventures and exhibitions. His wealth continues to grow through savvy investments inside and outside the ring.

7. Kevin Durant (basketball)

• Net Worth: $300 million
• Sport: Basketball

Kevin Durant started his basketball journey when he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007, which later became the ‘Oklahoma City Thunder’.

From the start, Durant made his mark as an incredible scorer, leading him to win two NBA championships and four Olympic gold medals. After impressive years with the Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets, he now plays for the Phoenix Suns.

Off the court, Durant’s business ventures are just as successful. He’s secured lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Google, and Sparkling Ice. Durant also maintains stakes in companies like Postmates, Acorns, and Boardroom.

Durant has a car collection that reflects his success, featuring a Ferrari California, Lamborghini, Range Rovers, Porsches, and even a 1966 Ford GT 40. He’s also invested around $30 million in properties across the United States.

In 2024, Durant’s total earnings reached around $75 million, combining his salary from the Phoenix Suns and his endorsement deals. His salary for the 2024-25 NBA season is a staggering $51.2 million, making Kevin Durant one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.

8. Russell Westbrook (basketball)

• Net Worth: $300 million
• Sport: Basketball

Born on November 12, 1988, in Long Beach, California, Russell Westbrook made his NBA debut in 2008 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Known for his explosive style of play and ability to rack up triple-doubles, Russell quickly earned multiple All-Star selections and won the MVP award in 2017.

Over the years, Westbrook has played for several teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Off the court, Westbrook has capitalized on his fame with endorsement deals from top brands like Jordan Brand, Nike, and Hublot, earning around $60 million annually from these partnerships. He’s also invested in his clothing line, Honor the Gift and his own production company.

In terms of real estate, Westbrook made headlines when he bought a stunning new mansion for $37 million in Brentwood, LA.

Moreover, Russell is also passionate about giving back and founded the Why Not? Foundation, focusing on supporting at-risk youth and families.

In 2024, Westbrook earned about $60 million, from his basketball salary and endorsements. Additionally, his 2023/24 NBA season salary amounted to a huge amount of $3,835,738, qualifying Russell to grab a spot in the list of the top 10 richest players in the world.

9. Saúl Álvarez aka Canelo (boxing)

• Net Worth: $275 billion
• Sport: Boxing

Born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Saúl Álvarez (aka Canelo), started boxing at a young age and turned professional when he was just 15.

Over the years, Canelo has become one of the most skilled and powerful boxers of his generation, claiming world titles across multiple weight classes. Canelo’s high-profile bouts, including those against Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev, have earned him huge pay-per-view earnings.

Canelo’s business ventures have played a big role in his wealth. In recent years, he launched a chain of five gas stations, Canelo Energy, and an associated chain of 20 convenience stores called Upper in western Mexico.

Moreover, Canelo also launched Canelo Promotions and Canelo Espectáculos in boxing and entertainment. He’s even developed his fitness app, I Can, and has a clothing line through his Canelo Store.

In addition to his business ventures, Canelo has earned millions from endorsement deals with brands like Hennessy, Everlast, and Charter Communications, ranking him 9th in list of the world’s richest athletes.

In 2024, Canelo earned approximately $75 million, mostly from his fight earnings and ongoing endorsement deals, making him one of the wealthiest boxers in the world.

10. Stephen Curry (basketball)

• Net Worth: $240 million
• Sport: Basketball

Born on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, Stephen Curry entered the NBA in 2009, joining the Golden State Warriors.

Known for revolutionizing the game with his three-point shooting, Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history. He has led the Warriors to four NBA championships and won two MVP awards.

In 2023, Curry signed a $75 million deal with Under Armour, which will see stock vesting between 2029 and 2034, ensuring long-term earnings after retirement.

Also, in the 2023-24 season, Curry made history by becoming the first NBA player to earn $50 million in salary, making $51.9 million.

Off the court, Curry has earned millions through endorsement deals with major brands like Under Armour, Callaway Golf, and Chase. Moreover, he also has investments in Whistle Sports and runs his own production company, Unanimous Media.

In total, Stephen Curry earned $105.8 million in 2024, with $52 million from on-field earnings and $50 million from off-field deals.

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

Expert Takeaways on the List of Richest Players in the World

FAQs

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

Ans: Faiq Bolkiah net worth of $20 billion makes him the richest sportsperson in the world in 2025.

2. Which brand has the highest number of sports endorsements?

Ans: The USA-based brand Nike Inc., in partnership with Michael Jordan, is one of the most famous and successful sponsorship deals and holds the highest number of sports endorsements.

3. Which field of sports has the maximum number of richest players in the world?

Ans: Football/Soccer and basketball have the maximum number of richest players in the world.