Athletes are one of the highest-paid people in the world and with the commercialization of all kinds of sports, they are earning more than ever. Forbes has published a list of 5 athletes under the age of 25 who earn the most amount of money as of 2023.
Current Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen appears on the list for the second time after 2022. Red Bull’s Verstappen has been ranked third in the list compiled by Forbes with a whopping $64 million earned by the Dutchman in 2023. He follows French footballer Kylian Mbappe and NFL star Kyler Murray.
Max Verstappen increased his earnings after winning his second World Championship
Forbes created the list of highest-paid Under 25 athletes based on the contracted and sponsorship earnings of the athletes over the period of one year. Max Verstappen had already made his debut in the list last year with $48 Million to his name.
Since then, he has had an exceptional 2022 season. He won 15 Grands Prix out of 22 and secured his second World Championships. This ensured that he earned $60 Million from contracts and prize money, and an extra $4 Million from his off-track sponsorship deals.
Verstappen has had a major increase in his salary after he signed a new contract with Red Bull in 2022. It is expected that the Dutchman will cement his place in the top earners’ list for a long time because his recent performances have been very impressive. He can very well win his third World Championship if he can overcome his teammate Sergio Perez’s threat.
Verstappen ranked above stars like Erling Haaland and Luka Doncic
After Max Verstappen, the list included two debutants. Norwegian footballing sensation Erling Haaland and Basketball star Luka Doncic. Both of them made their entry into the list for the first time ever.
Max Verstappen, however, had already been on the list last year. He was ranked third in 2022 as well with a figure of $48 million to his name.
