The world of sports has seen a rise in the recognition and earnings of female athletes. They have excelled in their respective fields, gaining fame and significant financial rewards. This article highlights the highest paid female athletes in the world. These women have not only achieved great success but also made a substantial impact on their sports.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka was born in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, in 1997 to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother. She began playing tennis at a young age, moving to the United States to pursue better training opportunities. Known for her powerful serve and strong baseline play, she quickly rose to fame, winning her first Grand Slam at the 2018 US Open. Osaka’s earnings, estimated at $60 million in 2021, come from prize money and lucrative endorsements with brands like Nike, Nissan, and Mastercard. She is a four-time Grand Slam champion and a prominent advocate for social justice, using her platform to highlight issues of racial inequality and mental health.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams, born in 1981 in Saginaw, Michigan, USA, is a tennis legend with a career spanning over two decades. She turned professional in 1995 and has since won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era. Williams’ earnings, estimated at $45.9 million in 2021, come from her on-court successes and numerous endorsements with companies like Nike, Gatorade, and Wilson. Beyond tennis, Serena is an entrepreneur with her own fashion line, S by Serena, and an investor in various ventures. She is also known for her activism in fighting for gender equality and against racial discrimination.
Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova was born in Nyagan, Russia, in 1987. She moved to the U.S. at a young age to train in tennis at the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Sharapova, a former professional tennis player, earned around $38 million at her peak, primarily through endorsements. She won five Grand Slam titles during her career and held the world No. 1 ranking for 21 weeks. Sharapova also has a successful candy business called Sugarpova and is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Maria Sharapova Foundation, which helps children worldwide.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, in 1982. She showed interest in racing from a young age and pursued her passion relentlessly, moving to the UK to compete in Formula Ford and Formula Vauxhall. Patrick is a retired professional racing driver. She earned an estimated $12 million annually during her career, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes of her time. Danica made history as the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race and had a successful stint in NASCAR. She is also a successful entrepreneur and author, with ventures in fitness, wine, and publishing.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams, born in 1980 in Lynwood, California, USA, began her professional tennis career in 1994. She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and has been a dominant force in women’s tennis. Venus’ earnings include prize money and endorsements from brands like Wilson, Ralph Lauren, and Electronic Arts, totaling around $11 million annually. She is also a fashion designer with her own line, EleVen, and an entrepreneur with multiple business ventures. Venus is a pioneer for equal prize money in tennis, having successfully campaigned for gender pay equality at Wimbledon.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio, USA, in 1997. She is a gymnast known for her incredible skills, including moves named after her, and numerous world titles. Biles has earned a significant income through competitions and endorsements, estimated at $10.1 million in 2021, with major deals from Nike, Athleta, and Visa. She has four Olympic gold medals and is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time. Simone’s influence extends beyond gymnastics, as she is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and has openly shared her own struggles, inspiring many.
Garbiñe Muguruza
Garbiñe Muguruza, born in 1993 in Caracas, Venezuela, is a top tennis player who represents Spain. She has won two Grand Slam singles titles, the 2016 French Open and the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. Muguruza’s earnings, around $8.8 million in 2021, come from her tournament victories and endorsements with brands like Adidas, Babolat, and Rolex. Known for her aggressive playing style, she remains a prominent figure in women’s tennis. Muguruza is also involved in philanthropic activities, supporting various causes through her foundation.
Caroline Wozniacki
Caroline Wozniacki was born in Odense, Denmark, in 1990. She began playing tennis as a child and turned professional in her teens, quickly climbing the ranks to become one of the top players in the world. Wozniacki earned approximately $7.5 million annually at her peak, combining prize money and endorsements. She won the Australian Open in 2018 and held the world No. 1 ranking for 71 weeks. Caroline is known for her philanthropic work, supporting numerous charities, and her ventures into fashion and fitness post-retirement.
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1995. She is a badminton player known for her powerful smashes and quick reflexes. Sindhu has won multiple international titles, including the 2019 World Championships. Her earnings, estimated at $7.2 million in 2021, include prize money and endorsements from major brands like Bridgestone, Panasonic, and Gatorade. She became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal in badminton at the 2016 Rio Olympics and added a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ashleigh Barty
Ashleigh Barty, born in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, in 1996, is a versatile tennis player who has achieved significant success on various surfaces. She retired briefly from tennis in 2014 to play professional cricket before returning to the sport. Barty’s earnings, around $6.9 million in 2021, come from her tournament wins and endorsements with brands like Fila, Head, and Jaguar. She has won multiple Grand Slam titles, including the 2019 French Open and 2021 Wimbledon. Barty’s calm demeanor and strategic play make her a standout athlete, and she is admired for her sportsmanship and humility.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1986. She began her basketball journey early and excelled in high school and college at the University of Tennessee, where she led the Lady Vols to two NCAA championships. Parker is a forward for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. She earns about $5.7 million per year. Her accolades include two WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Parker also works as a sports analyst on TV and is recognized for her contributions to women’s sports and her involvement in various community initiatives.
Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens was born in Plantation, Florida, in 1993. She started playing tennis at a young age and quickly made a name for herself, turning professional in 2009. Stephens, a professional tennis player, earns about $5.5 million per year through prize money and endorsements. She won the U.S. Open in 2017 and has reached the finals of the French Open. Sloane is also involved in community service, running her foundation for underserved youth, which provides educational and athletic opportunities.
Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe was born in Redding, California, USA, in 1985. She is a soccer player known for her exceptional skills and leadership on and off the field. Rapinoe has earned substantial income through her club, national team play, and endorsements, estimated at $4.9 million in 2021, with deals from Nike, Samsung, and BodyArmor. She won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, leading the US team to victory. Megan is also an outspoken advocate for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice, using her platform to drive significant change in society.
Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan was born in Diamond Bar, California, in 1989. She started playing soccer at an early age and quickly rose to prominence. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she played for the California Golden Bears. Morgan is a forward for the U.S. Women’s National Team and plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. She earns approximately $4.6 million annually, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes. Her achievements include winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup twice and being an Olympic gold medalist. Notably, Morgan co-authored a middle-grade book series and is an advocate for gender equality in sports.
Jessica Pegula
Jessica Pegula was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1994. She began playing tennis early and turned professional in her teens, gaining recognition for her consistent performance. Pegula earns around $3.5 million per year through prize money and endorsements. She has reached the quarterfinals in several Grand Slam tournaments and continues to rise in the rankings. Jessica is also the daughter of billionaire sports team owners and runs her skincare line, combining her athletic career with entrepreneurial ventures.
Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka was born in Minsk, Belarus, in 1998. She started her tennis career at a young age and has steadily climbed the ranks, known for her aggressive playing style and powerful serves. Sabalenka earns approximately $2.5 million annually, combining her tournament winnings and endorsements. She has won multiple WTA titles and reached the semifinals of Grand Slam tournaments. Aryna is known for her powerful playing style and has become one of the most exciting players to watch on the women’s tour.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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