Six Athletes 25 and Under Earned $384 Million Over Past Year

Forbes released its 2026 ranking of the world’s highest-paid athletes age 25 and under on May 22. Six athletes made the overall top 50 list, earning a combined $384 million over the past 12 months.

Haaland led the group with $80 million, placing him 19th on the overall highest-paid athletes list. The 25-year-old Manchester City striker received $60 million from his playing contract and $20 million from endorsements. Anthony Edwards ranked second among athletes 25 and under with $69 million.

The 24-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves guard earned $46 million on the court and $23 million off it. Carlos Alcaraz placed third at $61.5 million. The 23-year-old Spanish tennis player collected $23.5 million in prize money and $38 million from endorsements.

Jr. earned $60 million, with $40 million from his Real Madrid contract and $20 million from endorsements. Cade Cunningham recorded $58.6 million, including $46.6 million from his Detroit Pistons salary. Jannik Sinner completed the group. The six athletes together received $239 million from salaries, bonuses and prize money and $145 million from business activities.

The list shows more athletes in their 20s than 30 or older in the overall top 50 for the first time since 2017. Cunningham, Alcaraz and Sinner each appeared on the list for the first time.