Top athletes don’t just earn millions through salaries and sponsorships — they also know how to spend it in style. From exclusive villas to private jets and luxury watches, many of the world’s richest sports stars enjoy a lifestyle most people can only dream of. Let’s take a closer look at the most extravagant habits of today’s elite athletes.
Many of them own not just one, but several luxury homes across the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, has villas in Madrid, Turin, Lisbon, and even an €18.5 million penthouse in New York. LeBron James lives in a €20 million Beverly Hills mansion, complete with a private movie theater, a wine cellar, and his own basketball court. Neymar also spares no expense — his €7 million home in Brazil includes a private football pitch and a full spa area.
When it comes to transportation, private jets and high-performance cars are the norm. Conor McGregor travels in a €65 million Gulfstream G650, while Lionel Messi owns some of the most expensive cars in the world, including a Ferrari 335 S Spider worth €32 million and a Bugatti Veyron. Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 icon, drives a €2.5 million Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar infused with real F1 technology.
Luxury accessories are also a big part of the lifestyle. Floyd Mayweather, known for his love of bling, wears a €1.2 million Jacob & Co. “Billionaire Watch.” Virgil van Dijk has proudly shown off his €500,000 Richard Mille, and Paul Pogba owns a diamond-studded timepiece worth around €350,000.
Some athletes go even further and invest in yachts and private islands — or at least rent them in style. Roger Federer chartered a yacht in Mallorca for €1.5 million a week. David Beckham rented a luxury villa in the Maldives that cost over €200,000 per week. Michael Jordan, meanwhile, owns a €15 million estate in Florida, complete with its own private golf course.
Of course, some purchases border on the absurd — just because they can. Neymar reportedly paid €90,000 for a gold-plated PlayStation 5. Zlatan Ibrahimović once bought 50 expensive bikes just for decoration. Cristiano Ronaldo gifted his son a mini luxury car worth €700,000 for his birthday.
From Rags to Riches — and Sometimes Back Again
Many of these athletes come from humble beginnings and now live lives once thought impossible. While some spend lavishly, others invest wisely, start businesses, or create foundations to give back. Either way, the luxury lifestyle of the modern athlete is a world all its own — dazzling, dramatic, and often unbelievable.
