Top 5 highest-paid athletes of 2023 under 25

It has always been an uphill battle for the younger generation to break through in the realm of professional sports and secure remarkable earnings. The barriers keeping out Generation Z are similarly daunting.

In leagues like the NFL and the NBA, salary structures limit the earnings of even the most talented young stars during their initial contracts. Similarly, in Major League Baseball (MLB), substantial monetary rewards are typically reserved for players with six years of experience in the big leagues and eligible for free agency. Despite this, a few stars have managed to pave their way to the summit. Here are the top five highest-paid 2025 athletes aged 25 or under.

5) Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence is currently one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars player signed a contract extension in 2024, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. As per several sources, Lawrence earned $39 million from his contract, with his valuation most likely to increase in the coming years.

Off the field, Lawrence also has major sources of income from brand deals and investments. The Jaguars quarterback has reportedly invested in several cryptocurrencies and is signed to a partnership deal with Blockfolio. Last year, Lawrence earned $10 million from his endorsements.

4) Zion Williamson

The #1 NBA Draft pick from 2019 has ascended to becoming one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. Following his impressive performances in the previous seasons, Zion Williamson was offered a new contract extension worth $193 million by the New Orleans Pelicans, which he signed in 2022. Despite his injury-filled season, Williamson still continues to dazzle whenever he steps foot on the court.

Considered one of the most marketable NBA players in the world, it comes as no surprise that the power forward earns $15 million from brand endorsements. Amongst his outside ventures, Williamson’s deals with Jordan, Gatorade, 2K Sports, and Fanatics have boosted his overall net worth over the years.

3) Jannik Sinner

Without doubt, Jannik Sinner has taken the tennis world by storm. At a young age, Sinner has already won 3 Grand Slam titles in his career. While his infamous ban has cast a negative shadow, the Italian player is the highest paid player of his sport. According to Sportico, Sinner earned a whopping $25.3 million from his winnings in 2024.

Last year, Sinner earned more from his off-the-court brand endorsements and investments. The 2024 ATP Finals winner had signed a deal with Nike in 2019, while his racquets are represented by American-Dutch sports brand, Head.

2) Vinicius Jr.

Similar to the aforementioned players, Vinicius Jr. announced his entry to the football world at a young age. Since signing with Real Madrid in 2018, the Brazilian forward has gone on to become one of the most consistent players in the world. For his stellar performances, the No. 7 signed a contract extension with Madrid, which reportedly earns him $40 million per year.

Beyond the football pitch, Vinicius has been represented by Nike since the age of 13. Due to his rising popularity, Vinicius has become one of the brand’s most valuable athletes in the world. In 2024, the 2x Champions League winner received an estimated $15 million from his brand deals and endorsements.

1) Erling Haaland

To no surprise, Erling Haaland is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. In 2022, the Norwegian signed with Manchester City, penning down a lucrative deal with the English side. Since then, Haaland has shattered several records for his team, guiding the Pep Guardiola-led side to a treble in his first season only. Haaland reportedly earns $45 million per year from his contract with Man City.

In addition to his on-field winnings, Haaland is represented by some of the biggest brands in the world, including Samsung, Viaplay, and Nike. Haaland had signed a $24 million deal with the latter, which bolsters his overall net worth.

Related: Top 10 highest paid NFL players of all-time