The Top 10 richest sportsman in the world in 2026 highlights how modern sports icons are earning far beyond stadium salaries. In today’s era, athletes build massive fortunes through endorsements, investments, brand ownership, and long-term business deals. From football superstars to basketball legends, the 2026 list includes both active champions and retired icons whose wealth continues to grow.
Sports earnings are no longer limited to match fees. The richest athletes in the world are now global brands, earning from sponsorship contracts, luxury partnerships, and major investments in media and business.
Below is the updated ranking of the world’s richest sportsmen in 2026, listed from 10 to 1.
Richest Sportsmen 2026: Ranking from 10 to 1
10) Kylian Mbappé (France) – Football
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $250 Million
French football superstar Kylian Mbappé remains one of the wealthiest active athletes in 2026. Mbappé rose to global fame after leading France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup victory, where he became one of the youngest players in history to shine in a World Cup final.
Known for his speed and finishing ability, Mbappé has been among the most valuable footballers in the world. His fortune comes from massive club contracts, bonus payments, and global endorsement partnerships, making him one of the biggest faces of modern football.
9) Neymar Jr (Brazil) – Football
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $300 Million
Brazilian star Neymar Jr continues to rank among the richest athletes globally. He built his reputation through high-profile performances at Santos, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar was a key part of Barcelona’s famous attacking trio and played a major role in the club’s Champions League-winning era.
Neymar’s wealth comes from football contracts, sponsorships, fashion and lifestyle endorsements, and international brand partnerships. Even in later stages of his career, his global popularity keeps his commercial value strong.
8) Stephen Curry (United States) – Basketball
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $320 Million
NBA icon Stephen Curry is widely credited with transforming basketball with his three-point shooting dominance. Curry is a multi-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors and holds several long-range scoring records.
His net worth is powered by NBA earnings along with huge endorsement deals, including major partnerships with Under Armour. Curry has also expanded into business ventures and media projects, making him one of the most successful active athletes financially.
7) Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Football
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $650 Million
Lionel Messi remains one of the most successful and wealthy footballers in history. Messi has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and is among the greatest goal scorers ever. His legacy was further cemented when he led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title, achieving what many fans considered the final milestone of his career.
Messi’s wealth comes from club contracts, sponsorships, luxury brand deals, and long-term partnerships that continue to generate huge income even after leaving European football.
6) Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – Football
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $700 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo is among the richest and most influential athletes in the world. Ronaldo has played for top clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, becoming one of football’s highest goal scorers in history.
His earnings come from football contracts, global endorsements, and the massive success of his personal CR7 brand. Ronaldo also remains one of the most followed personalities on social media, which strengthens his sponsorship value worldwide.
5) Tiger Woods (United States) – Golf
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $1.1 Billion
Golf legend Tiger Woods remains among the world’s richest athletes. Woods is a multiple-time Masters champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. His success helped increase golf’s global popularity and commercial reach.
Even after reduced tournament appearances, Woods earns heavily through sponsorship deals, golf course design projects, and long-term business partnerships, keeping him in the billionaire category.
4) Roger Federer (Switzerland) – Tennis
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $1.2 Billion
Roger Federer is one of the richest sportsmen in the world and one of the most respected tennis players of all time. Federer won multiple Grand Slam titles and became a global icon due to his playing style and sportsmanship.
His billionaire status is largely driven by endorsement income and investments. Federer remains one of the most marketable athletes in history, with long-term brand deals that continue even after retirement.
3) Magic Johnson (United States) – Basketball
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $1.4 Billion
NBA legend Magic Johnson is one of the most successful athlete-entrepreneurs. As a key figure in the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty, Johnson became one of basketball’s greatest playmakers.
After retirement, Magic Johnson expanded into real estate, media ventures, and sports franchise ownership. His business empire continues to grow, placing him among the richest athletes in the world.
2) LeBron James (United States) – Basketball
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $1.6 Billion
LeBron James is not only a basketball superstar but also one of the world’s top earning athletes. A multiple-time NBA champion, LeBron has built a financial legacy through endorsements and major business investments.
He has expanded into media production, brand ownership, and sports franchise investments. His long-term deals and diversified business portfolio keep him among the wealthiest sportsmen globally in 2026.
1) Michael Jordan (United States) – Basketball
Estimated Net Worth (2026): $3.8 Billion
Michael Jordan remains the richest sportsman in the world in 2026 by a huge margin. The Chicago Bulls legend won six NBA championships and is widely considered the greatest basketball player in history.
Jordan’s fortune is mainly built from the global success of the Jordan Brand, which continues to generate massive revenue every year. His business investments and ownership ventures have made him the world’s top billionaire athlete, and his financial influence remains unmatched in sports history.
Why Athlete Wealth Is Growing Faster Than Ever
The 2026 list proves that athlete income is now shaped by more than just sports performance. Modern sports stars earn through:
- Mega endorsement contracts
- Brand collaborations and licensing
- Social media influence
- Business investments and ownership stakes
- Global merchandising deals
This shift has turned athletes into international business icons, with wealth continuing to rise even after retirement.