Forbes Releases 2025 List of World’s Highest-Paid Athletes: Messi Leads, NBA Stars Dominate Earnings Despite Curry’s Lack of Year-End Closure
Forbes has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, revealing a landscape where football superstar Lionel Messi claims the top spot, but the National Basketball Association (NBA) continues to command significant earning power. Despite Stephen Curry not closing out a year, no NBA player has garnered as much attention for their earnings in a single year.
While the list is spearheaded by a footballer, with Lionel Messi’s move to America leading the charge, football does not entirely dominate the rankings. Notably, no woman has secured a position within the elite top 50 this year, a trend that may be attributed to various factors. The list also features emerging talents, with several athletes under or around the age of 25 already making their mark on the global stage, though football is represented by only one player in this younger demographic.
The financial figures presented are not only extraordinary but also indicative of a rapidly growing market. The barrier to entry for the world’s top 50 highest-earning athletes has significantly increased. This year, the minimum earnings threshold climbed to $53.6 million, marking a considerable 19% surge from the previous year’s record of $45.2 million and nearly doubling the $27.2 million threshold recorded in 2017.
With the current minimum earnings, an athlete would have needed to be among the top eight earners in six years prior. Instead, the sixth position on the 2025 list is held by LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, who amassed $133.8 million in earnings over the past 12 months.
The complete list of the 50 highest-paid athletes globally can be found here >>>
