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10 Surprising Athletes Worth Over $40 Million

September 9, 2025 By Leave a Comment
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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)

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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9 Backup NFL Players Who Are Secretly Multi-Millionaires

June 30, 2025 By Leave a Comment
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When you think of NFL riches, names like Mahomes or Rodgers probably come to mind. But did you know some of the league’s backup NFL players are quietly stacking multi-million dollar fortunes? From hefty contracts to savvy investments, these sideline standbys are raking in serious dough. Let’s highlight nine backup NFL players who might be your next favorite millionaire. You’ll be surprised how much “behind-the-scenes” talent is cashing in.

1. Chase Daniel – The King of the Bench

Chase Daniel is the poster boy for backup wealth, earning roughly $42 million across a 14‑season career with teams like the Saints and Chiefs. Remarkably, he only made five NFL starts yet collected massive paychecks—about $8.3 million per start. His deals came from valuable depth and mentoring roles—skills teams are willing to pay top dollar for. Daniel’s example shows the real value of being the ultimate insurance policy. He’s proof that backups can be as bankable as starters.

2. Kirk Cousins – From Starter to Backup Cash Machine

After Atlanta named rookie Michael Penix Jr. the starter, veteran Kirk Cousins became one of the league’s highest‑paid backup QBs at $27.5 million for the 2025 season. His four‑year, $180 million contract has guaranteed tens of millions, even while serving as a backup. Though he transitioned backward in role, his wealth didn’t take a hit. Cousins shows how veteran QBs cash in long-term, even from the bench.

3. Taysom Hill – Versatile and Valuable

Taysom Hill isn’t your typical QB backup—he’s a Swiss Army Knife on the field, interpreting multiple roles for the Saints. His $12 million average annual salary underlines that value. Plus, a new $140 million extension expanded his compensation via creative cap structuring. Hill’s unique versatility gives depth and flexibility, earning him starter-level pay with fewer snaps.

4. Teddy Bridgewater – Reliable Second Banana

Long-term starter turned backup, Teddy Bridgewater, now earns about $11.5 million a year backing up Denver’s QB. In 2021, he ranked second among backups at $11.5M average. That kind of security shows backup roles can pay for consistent performance and veteran polish. Bridgewater illustrates how depth can be golden in the NFL.

5. Cooper Rush – From Undrafted to $7 Million Net Worth

Cooper Rush, undrafted and overlooked, proved his worth stepping in for Dak Prescott in 2024. He now boasts a $7 million net worth and has landed a $12.2 million guaranteed two-year deal with the Ravens. His rise proves opportunity can come unexpectedly, but wealth follows performance. Rush reminds us that backups can turn a chance into a mini-fortune.

6. Mac Jones – High-Paid Recent Backup

Former Patriots starter Mac Jones parlayed his experience into a two-year, $7 million deal with the 49ers—$5 million guaranteed, up to $11.5 million. Though not a career backup, this veteran role reflects how reserve QBs can still earn strong contracts. Jones’s move proves even recent starters can cash in from the bench.

7. Joshua Dobbs – Journeyman with a Solid Deal

Joshua Dobbs earned a two-year, $8 million deal—with $3.8 million guaranteed—to back up Drake Maye in New England. His roles across multiple teams have made him a reliable mid-tier backup. It shows journeyman QBs can leverage experience into wealth and job stability.

8. Jarrett Stidham – Denver’s Trusted Depth

After signing with Denver in 2023, Jarrett Stidham recently secured a two-year, $12 million extension (with $7 million guaranteed). That puts his average at $6 million per year, steady earnings from a typically underpaid role. Stidham exemplifies how consistency and team fit can pay big, even without regular starts.

9. Zach Wilson – Backup for a Price

Former top‑2 pick Zach Wilson landed a one-year, $6 million deal with Miami in 2025 to back up Tua Tagovailoa. That’s elevated money for a backup role, showing even underperforming starters can find financial redemption. Wilson’s contract highlights the ongoing value teams place on experienced depth.

Is The Bench The New Goldmine?

Backup NFL players aren’t just waiting in the wings—they’re cashing in. With guaranteed pay, veteran value, and niche skills, their roles are more lucrative than some starters. If you’re looking for a story that redefines success in football, the real money lives on the bench. These nine backup NFL players are prime examples of how patience, readiness, and consistency lead to serious wealth.

Were you surprised by how much these backup NFL players are earning? Which sideline millionaire did you find most impressive? Drop your thoughts below and let’s chat!

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Naomi Osaka’s Net Worth: Tennis Talent’s Treasure

May 28, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Naomi Osaka's net worth

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Naomi Osaka isn’t just a tennis sensation—she’s a brand, a movement, and a modern icon. With her powerful forehand and cool demeanor, she’s become one of the highest-paid female athletes in history. But what’s most impressive isn’t just her championship titles—it’s how she’s leveraged her fame into massive financial success. Understanding Naomi Osaka’s net worth gives us a look at how talent, timing, and tenacity can build a fortune. Whether you’re a tennis fan or just love success stories, Osaka’s financial journey is worth a closer look.

Tournament Winnings That Total in the Millions

Naomi Osaka’s rise in professional tennis came with major cash prizes. She has earned over $21 million from official tournaments since turning pro. Her Grand Slam victories, including wins at the US Open and Australian Open, each came with prize money exceeding $3 million. Even when she hasn’t won the trophy, advancing to later rounds has consistently paid six-figure sums. While endorsements make up a larger part of her income, tournament winnings form the foundation of Naomi Osaka’s net worth.

When it comes to endorsements, Naomi Osaka is in a league of her own. She’s partnered with major brands like Nike, Louis Vuitton, Beats by Dre, TAG Heuer, and Mastercard. At one point, she was raking in more than $50 million annually just from brand deals. Companies are drawn to her global appeal, outspoken advocacy, and cultural influence. This makes her not just a sports star but a marketable figure whose presence boosts brand recognition and sales.

Osaka isn’t content to just be a face on billboards—she’s actively building her business portfolio. She launched her own skincare line, Kinlò, specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin. She’s also invested in the North Carolina Courage, a National Women’s Soccer League team, showing interest in growing women’s sports. Her media company, Hana Kuma, creates culturally resonant stories and content. These business efforts show that Naomi is focused on long-term wealth and influence beyond her tennis career.

What is Naomi Osaka’s Net Worth?

Estimates place Naomi Osaka’s net worth at around $45 million and climbing. This figure includes tournament earnings, endorsements, business ventures, and assets like property and investments. Despite taking breaks from the tour for mental health and motherhood, she remains financially dominant. Her ability to make money even while off the court is rare in the world of sports. With her return to competition and media spotlight, that number is expected to grow.

Naomi Osaka’s net worth includes a smart set of real estate moves. In 2019, she purchased a Beverly Hills home for $6.9 million from Nick Jonas, later selling it and relocating to a private property in the LA area. She’s also invested in other luxury real estate locations, ensuring that her money is working for her. Real estate offers her stability and asset appreciation, which is crucial for athletes planning for post-career financial security. With a focus on privacy and value, her real estate choices reflect a blend of comfort and strategy.

Osaka’s worth goes beyond money—she’s also using her platform for change. She’s donated to mental health causes, disaster relief efforts, and has taken vocal stands on social justice issues. While philanthropy isn’t about increasing wealth, it contributes to her public image and value as a brand. Her transparency about mental health has opened doors for brand partnerships that value authenticity and advocacy. These efforts ensure that her influence—and net worth—extend into realms far beyond tennis.

Naomi Osaka often finds herself in the company of the highest-paid athletes globally. In fact, she beat Serena Williams and Simone Biles in annual income for several years. Her earning power rivals male tennis icons like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, especially when it comes to endorsements. Unlike many athletes, she earns the bulk of her income off the court, a model more common among global sports figures like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. That comparison places her in rarefied air in the world of wealth and athletics.

What’s Next for the Tennis Star Turned Mogul?

Looking forward, Osaka has plenty of options for growing her empire. With her return to the court following maternity leave, fans and sponsors are once again rallying behind her. She’s also rumored to be expanding Hana Kuma into international productions. As a mother, athlete, and entrepreneur, she embodies modern success, and her income streams reflect that versatility. If she stays on her current trajectory, Naomi Osaka’s net worth could easily surpass $100 million in the next few years.

Her Net Worth Is Just the Beginning

Naomi Osaka’s net worth is more than a number—it’s a testament to what can happen when athletic excellence meets smart strategy. Her career path shows how today’s athletes can be moguls, role models, and change-makers all at once. With earnings from endorsements, investments, and her return to tennis, she’s only getting started. Osaka’s wealth reflects not just wins on the court, but wins in life. Watching her grow as a businesswoman and philanthropist might be more exciting than her matches.

What do you think of Naomi Osaka’s off-court moves? Do you admire her business savvy or prefer her tennis highlights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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