Forbes released a ranking of the highest-paid athletes under 25, highlighting the intersection of on-field performance and market power that fuels young sports stars today. The list spotlights not only raw athletic skill but also the savvy off-field deals that propel these athletes into the upper echelons of earnings.
Leading the pack is Josh Allen, the quarterback known for his work with the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League. His estimated earnings for the year reach about $67 million, underscoring how a standout NFL career can translate into substantial endorsement and media revenue for a young star. Allen’s income reflects a combination of salary, signing bonuses, and strategic sponsorships that together create a compelling financial profile for a player still early in his pro journey.
In second place sits Naomi Osaka, the 24-year-old tennis phenom from Japan. With approximately $59.2 million in earnings, Osaka demonstrates how global branding and tournament success can combine to yield significant compensation for a rising star in tennis. Her influence extends beyond court performance, as endorsements and media opportunities amplify her public profile and overall earnings stream.
Carrying momentum from the world of motor racing, Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula 1 driver, ranks third on the list with around $48 million in revenue. Verstappen’s position reflects both his on-track dominance and the commercial appeal of Formula 1 in the global market, where media rights, sponsorships, and appearance agreements contribute to a high-earning profile for a young champion.
American digital creator Jake Paul also makes the top ten, placing seventh with roughly $38 million. His earnings illustrate the expanding role of digital platforms in shaping athlete income, as boxing exhibitions, brand partnerships, and content collaborations blend traditional athletic compensation with modern media-driven revenue streams.
Earlier discussions have highlighted that the same ranking often places Lionel Messi, the star forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team, among the world’s highest-paid athletes. While Messi’s career has long blended exceptional performance with lucrative sponsorships, the specific under-25 ranking focuses on a younger cohort, illustrating how the next generation of top earners competes for financial supremacy on a global stage. The broader market for elite athletes continues to evolve as media exposure, sponsorship demand, and international competition drive multi-faceted compensation packages for players across sports.
Looking at the broader earnings breakdown, sources indicate that a substantial portion of a young star’s income can come from sponsorship deals, branding partnerships, and media rights arranged during the period under review. In the case discussed, an Argentine footballer earned a total close to $130 million over a defined 12-month window, with approximately $75 million attributed to performance at a major club and the remaining $55 million representing endorsements, merchandising, and other business arrangements. This split underscores the importance of diversified income streams for athletes who align on-court achievements with off-field business ventures, brand collaborations, and global visibility (Forbes). Potential readers should note that these figures reflect estimates compiled by the publication and can vary with market conditions, contract renewals, and changes in sponsorship pipelines (Forbes).
Overall, the list spotlights a new generation of earners whose financial success rests on a blend of athletic excellence, brand resonance, and digital-era opportunities. As leagues expand their media reach and sponsorship ecosystems continue to evolve, today’s youngest stars are increasingly turning athletic prowess into multi-dimensional personal brands that endure beyond the scoreboard (Forbes).