Athlete Income Showdown: Kelce, Biles, and Ronaldo's Earnings Unveiled
The financial prowess of top athletes continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Recent reports shed light on the impressive earnings of stars like Travis Kelce, Simone Biles, and Cristiano Ronaldo, showcasing their dominance both on and off the field. Here's a detailed look at their financial landscapes as of mid-2025.
Travis Kelce's Booming Net Worth and Endorsements
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $90 million by 2025. His recent achievements include signing a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, valued at $34.25 million. This deal secures him an annual salary of $17 million, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL based on average annual value.
Kelce's Lucrative Off-Field Ventures
Beyond football, Kelce's off-field earnings are substantial, estimated at around $5 million per year through endorsements. He co-hosts the wildly popular "New Heights" podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce. In August 2023 (some sources state August 2024), the brothers inked a $100 million deal over three years with Amazon's Wondery for exclusive distribution of their podcast.
The "Taylor Swift Effect" on Kelce's Marketability
Kelce's public profile has significantly benefited from his relationship with Taylor Swift. This high-profile romance has led to a notable increase in commercial sales, including a surge in jersey sales and group licensing income, further boosting his earnings.
Kelce's Impressive Sponsor Portfolio
Kelce is backed by a diverse range of major brands, including Campbell Soup, Experian, General Mills, Nike, State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance, and Subway. He also reportedly received $1-2 million for his participation in Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine campaign, highlighting his broad appeal to advertisers.
Simone Biles' Record-Breaking Net Worth and Sponsorships
Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast, boasts an estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2025. This makes her not only one of the wealthiest Olympic athletes worldwide but also the richest gymnast in history. Her financial growth has been particularly significant between 2021 and 2025, aligning with her return to gymnastics and continued success in championship events.
Biles' Olympic Year Income Spikes
Biles' annual income experiences notable spikes during Olympic years. As an example, she earned $135,000 in medal bonuses at the Paris Olympics, where she secured three gold medals and one silver.
Endorsements as Biles' Primary Income Source
The majority of Biles' income is derived from endorsements and sponsorships. Forbes estimates her annual earnings from these sources to be between $5-10 million, peaking at $10 million in 2022. In 2023, her competition earnings amounted to only $100,000, while endorsements contributed approximately $7 million to her income.
Biles' Strategic Partnerships with Major Brands
Biles' key endorsement partners include Athleta (after her departure from Nike in 2021), Visa, United Airlines, UberEats, Powerade, Subway, and MasterClass. Her partnership with Athleta is especially noteworthy, as it aligns with her advocacy for women and young girls, showcasing her commitment to social impact.
Government Stipends for Elite Athletes
Biles also receives monthly stipends through USA Gymnastics' tiered funding system, earning $3,000 monthly due to her elite status.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Billion-Dollar Athlete
Cristiano Ronaldo's estimated net worth stands at roughly $1.45 billion as of mid-2025, solidifying his position as the wealthiest male athlete in the world. This financial milestone reflects his continued success on the field and his lucrative off-field ventures.
Ronaldo Tops Forbes' Highest-Paid Athletes List
Ronaldo topped Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes for 2025, marking his third consecutive year and fifth time overall in the top spot. He earned an astounding $275 million over the past year (May 2024 to May 2025), demonstrating his enduring marketability and earning power.
The Saudi League Impact on Ronaldo's Earnings
Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in January 2023 significantly boosted his on-field earnings. His contract is reportedly worth around €200 million per year (approximately $215–$217 million), which includes commercial agreements and his role as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid.
Ronaldo's Contract Extension and Equity Stake
Ronaldo signed a two-year extension with Al-Nassr, reportedly worth over €492 million over two years, and acquired a minority stake in the club, further enhancing his financial stake in the sport.
Ronaldo's Expansive Endorsement Portfolio
Ronaldo continues to generate substantial income from his endorsement portfolio, earning approximately $50-60 million annually from off-field ventures. These partnerships extend beyond traditional sports-related brands, reflecting his global appeal and influence.
Ronaldo's Lifetime Deal with Nike
Ronaldo maintains a lifetime deal with Nike, reportedly worth up to $1 billion, with annual payments estimated at $20-30 million. This long-term partnership underscores his enduring value to the brand.
Ronaldo's Diverse Investments and Business Ventures
Ronaldo has diversified his investments, including partnerships with Binance (for NFT collections) and Jacob & Co. (for luxury watches). He also owns CR7 Fitness gyms in collaboration with Crunch Fitness and Insparya hair-transplant clinics, estimated to be worth $50-55 million. Additionally, he holds small equity stakes in companies like Chrono24, a luxury watch marketplace, demonstrating his strategic approach to building wealth beyond his athletic career.
