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Basketball legend Michael Jordan tops the list of all-time highest-earning athletes with a staggering $4.50 billion in career earnings, leading a star-studded elite of global sports icons.
According to Sportico data through late 2025, golf icon Tiger Woods ranks second at $2.88 billion, followed by football star Cristiano Ronaldo at $2.52 billion.
LeBron James and Lionel Messi complete the top five, boasting $2.03 billion and $1.99 billion, respectively.
These figures reflect pre-tax estimates encompassing salaries, prize money, endorsements, royalties, and sponsor-equity cash-outs
