The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes 25 And Under For 2026
Key takeaways
- It’s just the latest accomplishment in a year full of them for the 25-year-old Norwegian, who also lands at No. 19 on Forbes’ 2026 list of the highest-paid athletes overall.
- Haaland isn’t the only young athlete putting up big numbers, on and off the field.
- Cunningham, Alcaraz and Sinner are making their first appearance on the list, helping nudge the average age of the top 50 athletes to 30, down from 31 last year and 33 in 2023.
Sports Money Editors' Pick The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes 25 And Under For 2026Go-Ahead Goal: With an estimated $80 million in income over the past 12 months, Erling Haaland is the world's highest-paid athlete 25 or younger, and ranks No. 19 on the list of the highest-paid athletes overall.Michael Regan/Getty Images By Brett Knight,
Sports’ financial phenoms include two soccer stars, two basketball players and two tennis aces already locked in a generational rivalry—each of whom made at least $54 million over the past year.Manchester City’s late push for this season’s Premier League championship fell just short, but even with the disappointing second-place finish, the team’s star striker has claimed a title of his own.
With an estimated $80 million in income over the past 12 months—counting both his playing contract with the Sky Blues and his endorsements, appearances and memorabilia—Erling Haaland is the world’s highest-paid athlete 25 or younger.