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We all know superstars like Ronaldo and LeBron earn big—but some athletes fly under your radar yet still hit eye-popping net worths. From golf to football and beyond, these are surprising athletes worth over $40 million—not just from contracts, but savvy side hustles, endorsements, and investments. Meeting these under-the-radar success stories shines light on how athletes are building wealth beyond the field. Let’s check out 10 names you might not have expected to be that rich.
1. Travis Kelce (NFL Tight End)
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Travis Kelce’s name might pop up in pop-culture headlines, but he’s also built a serious fortune. As of August 2025, his net worth is around $70 million, up from $52 million just the year before, driven by NFL earnings, his hit podcast “New Heights” ($100 million deal with Amazon), and business ventures like Garage Beer and endorsements with Nike and more. This makes him one of the surprising athletes worth over $40 million—and still active on the field. His case shows how modern athletes can diversify income to grow long-term wealth.
2. Rory McIlroy (Professional Golfer)
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Rory McIlroy recently shot past expected numbers: after winning the Masters, his net worth rose to about £260 million (roughly $330 million), placing him among the UK’s wealthiest under-40 athletes. Golfers are often out of the spotlight between tournaments, but McIlroy combines on-course success with investments and endorsements—including deals with Whoop, Nike, and luxury real estate. His financial growth is far ahead of just prize money, making him a standout among the surprising athletes worth over $40 million.
3. Michael Phelps (Swimmer Legend)
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If you guessed swimmers weren’t rolling in cash, Michael Phelps might shock you. Phelps is the richest swimmer globally, with an estimated net worth of around $100 million. His poolside dominance, paired with endorsements and business moves, has paid off. Phelps shows that even athletes in less commercially prominent sports can build huge wealth. Another clear example of surprising athletes worth over $40 million.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer Icon)
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Ronaldo needs little introduction—but his wealth still astounds. In 2025 alone, he topped Forbes and Sportico’s highest-paid athlete rankings at $275 million in earnings. His cumulative net worth now breaks into the billion-dollar range. What makes him a fitting entry here is how even casual fans might underestimate just how huge his earnings remain. Definitely part of the surprising athletes worth over $40 million club.
5. LeBron James (Basketball Megastar)
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LeBron James remains a wealth-building machine. In 2025, he earned about $133.8 million, combining salary and endorsements. His net worth sits around $1.2 billion per recent reports, thanks to his strong investment portfolio and brand partnerships. Even if everyone knows LeBron, the sheer scale of his wealth still qualifies as eye-opening. He’s a prime example of surprising athletes worth over $40 million—even for longtime fans.
6. Lionel Messi (Soccer Great)
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Messi continues to impress on and off the field. In 2025, he earned around $135 million, placing him high among elite earners. Combined with club deals and off-field opportunities, his net worth reaches well into the high hundreds of millions. He reminds us how global stars can turn massive popularity into staying-rich status. Not just a legendary performer, but also among the surprising athletes worth over $40 million.
7. Stephen Curry (Basketball Star)
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Stephen Curry broke the mold (and records) by out-earning LeBron with $155.8 million from salary and endorsements. He’s long been a financial standout thanks to a billion-dollar shoe contract with Under Armour. His influence spans sports and business, placing him firmly among wealth-heavy athletes. He embodies how surprising athletes worth over $40 million can come from a signature playing style and smart deals.
8. Dak Prescott (NFL Quarterback)
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Renaissance QB Dak Prescott garnered $137 million in 2025 earnings. As a household name in football, his endorsement and salary power continue to scale. While fans may expect NFL stars to pay well, Dak’s earnings reinforce how top players cash in above and beyond the game. His story underscores how surprising athletes worth over $40 million aren’t outliers—they’re the rule.
9. Shohei Ohtani (Baseball Phenom)
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Shohei Ohtani dazzled with $102.5 million in 2025 total earnings. Between salary and off-season brand deals, he’s among the rare dual-threat stars earning high wealth. His global marketability helps push his net worth well beyond the $40 million mark. Ohtani’s rise shows how international stars can truly change game—and wallet. Nobody would call a baseball fan rich—but some surpass expectations quickly.
10. Juan Soto (Baseball Star)
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Completing the list is Juan Soto, earning $114 million in 2025. Despite his youth, Soto’s net worth is already impressive, thanks to record-breaking contracts—he inked a 15-year deal in the $430 million range. For a young athlete, this places him squarely among the surprising athletes worth over $40 million. His trajectory shows that youth doesn’t limit wealth when the performance is elite.
Legends and Rising Stars Fueling the $40 M Club
These 10 names may surprise you—but each one shows how modern athletes can build massive wealth beyond raw talent. From Kelce’s podcast empire to Ohtani’s global baseball market, it’s clear: athletic success is just a launchpad. As endorsements, media, investments, and contracts grow, more athletes will cross—even explode—past the $40 million threshold. Keep your eyes open—this list is just the beginning.
Did any name surprise you the most, or were you already aware of their riches? Share your reaction in the comments below!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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