The sports business continues to expand, bringing with it contracts and commercial deals that turn athletes into true magnates. In 2025, the earnings of the highest-paid athletes reached historic levels, with footballers, basketball players, and golfers leading the list of the highest annual incomes. The globalization of leagues and the diversification of revenue sources, such as sponsorships and investments, have fueled the fortunes of the biggest sports stars.

Football remains one of the most profitable disciplines, with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top thanks to his multimillion-dollar contract with Al-Nassr, earning $267.12 million per year. He is followed by Lionel Messi, who has capitalized on his impact in MLS with Inter Miami, accumulating $126 million annually. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, after signing with Real Madrid, has also secured a spot among the top earners with an income of $121.59 million.

In basketball, stars like LeBron James ($122.22 million), Stephen Curry ($95.76 million), and Kevin Durant ($86.9 million) continue generating astronomical figures. Beyond their NBA salaries, their strategic investments and sponsorships with global brands have been key to their financial growth. These players' influence extends beyond sports, turning them into true commercial icons.

Golf has also shaken up the financial landscape, with Jon Rahm as one of the biggest earners after his move to LIV Golf. His multimillion-dollar deal catapulted him to second place on the list of highest-paid athletes, with $197.19 million annually, highlighting the immense economic power this sport has gained in recent years.

From Formula 1 with Max Verstappen ($73.08 million) to the NFL with Patrick Mahomes ($81.90 million), contracts continue to grow, reflecting the global expansion of the sports market. In a world where entertainment and marketing go hand in hand, sports stars not only shine on the field but also in the business world, redefining the limits of the industry.