While team sports like soccer and basketball dominate global popularity, individual sports often offer unparalleled financial rewards for their top performers. From Jannik Sinner’s stunning $4.05 million Wimbledon triumph to Oleksandr Usyk’s staggering $80 million haul from a single boxing match, elite athletes in these disciplines are reaping massive paydays through prize money alone. Swipe through to see the highest-earning athletes of 2025 so far:
Oleksandr Usyk
Total Earnings: $132 Million
Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxing titan, dominated 2025 with two monumental victories over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. His May split-decision win and December unanimous-decision triumph in Riyadh, backed by the Public Investment Fund, earned him $100 million in purses. These fights solidified Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight title, showcasing his technical mastery and resilience at 38. Additional earnings came from a $1 million Anthony Joshua rematch and endorsements. Usyk’s disciplined footwork and strategic brilliance in the ring, paired with his global appeal, cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats, with 2025 marking his financial peak.
Canelo Álvarez
Total Earnings: $80 million
Canelo Álvarez, Mexico’s boxing superstar, continued his reign in 2025, earning $80 million primarily from two high-profile fights. His May victory over Jaime Munguía in Las Vegas netted $35 million, while a September knockout of Edgar Berlanga added $40 million. These wins reinforced Canelo’s super middleweight dominance, with his signature counterpunching and ring IQ on full display.
Daniel Dubois
Total Earnings: $71.2 Million
Daniel Dubois, the British heavyweight sensation, roared into 2025 with a career-defining knockout of Anthony Joshua in September, earning $10 million and the IBF heavyweight title. The 27-year-old’s explosive power shone in a December rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, netting $60 million despite a loss.
Scottie Scheffler
Total Earnings: $19.2 Million
Scottie Scheffler, golf’s world No. 1, dominated the PGA Tour in 2025, amassing $19.2 million in prize money. The American secured victories at The Masters ($3.6 million) and The Players Championship ($4.5 million), showcasing his precision iron play and clutch putting. Scheffler’s consistent top-10 finishes, including a T2 at the U.S. Open, underscored his dominance.
Rory McIlroy
Total Earnings: $15.7 Million
Rory McIlroy, golf’s charismatic star, earned $15.7 million in 2025, highlighted by a thrilling U.S. Open victory ($4.3 million), his first major since 2014. The Northern Irishman’s powerful drives and improved short game also led to wins at the Dubai Desert Classic and Wells Fargo Championship. Despite a PGA Championship playoff loss, McIlroy’s consistency shone through with multiple top-five finishes. Endorsements with TaylorMade and Omega bolstered his earnings.
Carlos Alcaraz
Total Earnings: $9.51 million
Carlos Alcaraz, tennis’ 22-year-old prodigy, dazzled in 2025, earning $9.51 million in prize money. The Spaniard claimed the French Open title, defeating Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic ($2.6 million), and won the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters. His Wimbledon runner-up finish ($2.05 million) showcased his versatility on grass.
Jannik Sinner
Total Earnings: $8.44 million
Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, overcame a three-month doping ban to earn $8.44 million in 2025. The 23-year-old Italian clinched the Australian Open ($2.2 million) and Wimbledon ($4.05 million), defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. His Six Kings Slam exhibition win added $6 million. Sinner’s powerful baseline game and mental toughness shone through, despite early-season controversy.
