5 Richest Male Athletes and their Net Worth in 2025: Cristiano Ronaldo, Travis Kelce, John Cena and more
Travis Kelce (via Getty Images)
In 2025, the sports world is changing, with the globe's wealthiest male sportsmen not only dominating their respective fields but also strategically investing away from the field.
From sports legend Cristiano Ronaldo to NFL star
Travis Kelce
, sporting stardom has become monstrous wealth and success for these superstars. Here is a list of the five richest male stars in sports and details about their net worth and wealth trajectory in 2025.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Wealthiest male athlete in 2025 with a net worth of $1 billion
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid male athlete, according to Forbes. He earned $275 million between May 2024 and May 2025. This includes $225 million from on-field activities and $50 million from off-field endeavors, according to CNBC TV18.
Stephen Curry's on-field $56 million and off-field $100 million make him one of the richest male athletes of 2025
Stephen Curry signed a long-term deal with Under Armour's Curry Brand in 2023, extending his sneaker deal beyond his playing days. The deal includes a $75 million stock compensation vesting in 2029 and 2034. Curry has also invested in Nirvana Water, Unrivaled, Plezi Hydration, and Davidson College. He also produced the documentary Sentenced and the comedy series Mr. Throwback. On the court, he signed a one-year, $62.6 million extension.
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LeBron James
moves a step closer towards becoming a billionaire with $800 million wealth
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is not only a current NBA player in 2025 but also a dominant businessman and investor. Worth $800 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, James remains one of the highest-paid athletes on as well as off the field.
James earns over $100 million annually, split between his $52 million basketball pay and $60+ million endorsement. Endorsements that he does include Nike (a $1 billion lifetime deal), PepsiCo, and Beats by Dre.
Outside of the court, LeBron is invested in Fenway Sports Group, which earns him stakes in entities like Liverpool F.C., the Boston Red Sox, and A.C. Milan. He also runs SpringHill Company, an entertainment firm that has found success with Netflix and HBO shows.
John Cena walks the line of wrestling, Hollywood, and business with $80 million net worth
WWE legend and actor John Cena is placed high among the richest male sportsmen of 2025 with a net worth of $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Cena became a favorite in WWE due to his endearing persona, catchphrase "You Can't See Me", and unbeaten record of 16 WWE Championships.
He is also a brand ambassador and humanitarian and is the record holder for having granted the most Make-A-Wish wishes of any individual.
Travis Kelce climbs wealth list with a $90 million net worth in 2025
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is one of the richest NFL players of 2025, and his net worth is $90 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Since he entered the NFL in 2013, Kelce has had an outstanding football career. Kelce makes another $5 million annually in endorsements from Nike, Bud Light, and McDonald's.
Travis entered his brother Jason Kelce in 2022 to create their podcast "New Heights," and in 2024, they signed a massive deal worth $100 million with Amazon's Wondery.
Also read:
La La Anthony vs Larsa Pippen Net Worth: Which ex-NBA star's wife has bigger fortune?
From the NBA floors to the greens of professional golf, these five men have not only had iconic sporting careers but have also constructed enormous financial dynasties.
Michael Jordan
remains the wealthiest male athlete, but stars like Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and John Cena hold their places on a combination of sport, endorsements, and media entrepreneurship. Travis Kelce, the youngest of them all, is quickly rising on the strength of smart contracts and media growth. Their success in 2025 has been an example of sporting greatness being translated into lasting wealth.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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