Coco Gauff leads Forbes’ 2025 highest-paid female athletes list, with top earners blending prize money, endorsements, and global influence

Coco Gauff has been named the world’s highest-paid female athlete in 2025, according to Forbes, leading a list dominated by tennis stars, golfers, and multi-sport personalities leveraging endorsements and media ventures.

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At just 21, Gauff earned $33 million, combining prize money with lucrative sponsorships, underscoring the growing role of off-field income in women’s sports.

Following closely is Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who captured four singles titles including her fourth Grand Slam at the U.S. Open, amassing $30 million in total earnings.

Iga Swiatek ranks third with $25.1 million, boosted by $15 million in endorsements alongside $10.1 million in prize money after winning her first Wimbledon title and securing 62 match victories.

Freestyle skier Eileen Gu earned $23.1 million, primarily through sponsorship deals despite limited competitive prize money, while China’s Qinwen Zheng generated $22.6 million from global brand partnerships even with an injury-shortened season.

Other notable athletes include Madison Keys ($13.4M), Nelly Korda ($13M), Naomi Osaka ($12.5M), Jessica Pegula ($12.3M), and NaLyssa Smith Clark ($12.1M), all blending athletic achievements with strategic brand endorsements.

Forbes highlighted that the earnings of these athletes reflect an era where talent alone no longer defines success. Media presence, social influence, and endorsement portfolios now play a central role in shaping top incomes and expanding women’s sports’ global reach.

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Gauff’s leadership in earnings demonstrates how young athletes are leveraging both performance and brand identity to redefine the landscape of female sport.