The Highest-Paid Athletes Around the World in 2026
Summary
Today’s top athletes are global brands whose earnings extend far beyond their playing contracts. Cristiano Ronaldo leads with $260 million, largely from his Saudi club salary, while others like Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Shohei Ohtani earn over $100 million annually through a powerful mix of endorsements, media deals, and business ventures.
Their financial success stems from strategic brand-building across sports including soccer, boxing, baseball, and basketball. These stars leverage their fame into lucrative partnerships and investments, transforming athletic prowess into substantial business empires and generational wealth.
The highest-paid athletes aren’t just stars in their respective sports; they are becoming global brands. From the soccer pitch to the boxing ring, athletes are signing massive contracts that include endorsement money. Here’s a list of the top athletes who are building empires for themselves.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer, Al-Nassr) — $260M
Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary for the 2025-2026 season with Al-Nassr is reported to be around $260 million US annually. This includes commercial incentives, making him the world’s highest-paid athlete. With incentives, the striker can earn an additional $20 million. His latest extension could give him a 5% club ownership stake, which would increase his total take-home in 2026.
2. Canelo Alvarez (Boxing) — $137M
Canelo Alvarez is still the face of boxing, and his paycheque proves this. The Mexican signed a $365 million deal with DAZN in 2018 and will take home $137M, with most of that coming from fight purses and PPV shares. Canelo is one of the highest-paid fighters in boxing history.
3. Lionel Messi (Soccer, Inter Miami) — $130M
Lionel Messi is the face of MLS and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. With that comes a massive club contract with global endorsement power at Inter Miami. Adidas and Apple pay big money to Messi, and he also has ownership incentives with the club. Playing in North America has expanded his global reach, and more endorsements are likely to follow.
4. Juan Soto (Baseball, Mets) — $129.2M
Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million deal is the biggest deal in sports, and it could reach $805 million. His massive earnings, along with endorsements, make him the highest-paid baseball player, and while he’s still early in his prime, he could leave a lasting legacy in baseball when he leaves the game.
5. LeBron James (Basketball, Lakers) — $128.7M
LeBron James is still the most notable name in the NBA despite playing for more than two decades. When you add up his NBA salary, endorsements, and business investments, his earnings reach nine digits. James makes more money with his media company and brand partnerships than with his salary playing basketball. He has built one of the strongest business portfolios in sports and has become one of the most influential figures in North America.
6. Karim Benzema (Soccer, Al-Ittihad) —- $115M
When Karim Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia, he saw a big raise in salary after signing a package worth more than $200M. A big part of his income is his salary; however, he earns money through endorsements as well. His global profile, a French international, remains strong despite leaving European football.
7. Stephen Curry (Basketball, Warriors) — $105.4M
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is one of the greatest shooters of all-time in the NBA, and you can always bet on his ability and clutch. Yet, his salary in the NBA is less than what he usually makes through endorsements. His deal with Under Armour brings in tens of millions, and he continues to build other businesses, including a production company. His influence goes beyond basketball and remains a marketable figure in sports.
8. Shohei Ohtani (Baseball, Dodgers) — $102.5M
Shohei Ohtani is the best player on the planet and almost one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Although he signed a $700M deal with the Dodgers, Ohtani only makes $2M in salary as he’s deferred a big portion. He still makes about $100M a year in just endorsements as he is one of those rare stars who transcends around the world.
9. Kevin Durant (Basketball, Rockets) — $100.8M
Durant earns heavily through his NBA salary, but his business ventures and endorsements drive his total earnings higher. He has investments across tech, media, and sports. His off-court strategy mirrors his elite on-court performance.
10. Jon Rahm (Golf, LIV) — $100.7M
Rahm’s move to LIV Golf dramatically increased his earnings through guaranteed contracts and bonuses. Prize money and appearance fees make up most of his income now. He remains one of the most recognizable figures in professional golf.
11. Lewis Hamilton (F1 Racing) — $100M
Ferrari driver Lewis hasn’t won an F1 title since 2020 (won six of seven years from 2014-2020), but is still earning a big contract, which includes global endorsements. Hamilton has several business ventures and is involved in activism and fashion. His brand goes beyond racing, hence his $100 million a year salary.
12. Kylian Mbappé (Soccer, Real Madrid) — $95M
Kylian Mbappe is one of soccer’s biggest young stars, and that makes him one of the most valuable players in the world. The French international is making his money through his salary, big bonuses, and major endorsements. At 27, Mbappe is positioning himself to earn massive deals in the future, especially if Saudi Arabia comes calling.
Conclusion
When an athlete commands a big salary like these ones on the list, they are savvy on the business side. Whether through their contracts, global endorsements, or smart investments, each of them has built a powerful brand. These athletes aren’t just great at their sport; they’ve been able to create generational wealth and become icons in sports and business.
