Highest-Paid Athletes in 2026 Revealed: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

These athletes are earning far and above the baseline.

Forbes released its list of the top 50 highest-paid athletes in 2026—all of whom are men—and among them are six stars under 25 years old, including tennis’ newest players to be locked into a lighthearted-rivalry, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz, the 23-year-old phenom from Spain who already boasts seven Grand Slam wins, ranks at number 32 on the list, with earnings totaling $61.5 million over the last 12 months. The number includes $22.5 million in tournament wins, as well as $38 million in off-field earnings such as sponsorships.

Meanwhile, Sinner—currently ranked world no. 1 and following just behind Alcaraz with five Grand Slam wins—finds himself number 50 on the list. The 24-year-old’s earnings over the last year are estimated at $54.6 million made up of $22.6 million in on-court earnings and $32 million in off. 

Joining the two as the other under-25-year-olds on the list are soccer’s Erling Haaland (total $80 million) and Vinicius Jr. (total $60 million), plus basketball’s Anthony Edwards (total $69 million) and Cade Cunningham (total $58.6 million).