Roger Federer becomes a billionaire: Tennis legend joins elite athlete club

With $1.1B net worth, Federer becomes only the seventh athlete to join billionaire ranks

Last updated: August 24, 2025 | 11:11

Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor

2 MIN READ

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return against Albert Ramos of Spain during their first round men's singles match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 8, 2019.

AFP

Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has now achieved an extraordinary milestone off the court — joining the exclusive club of billionaire athletes. With an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, the Swiss maestro has become only the seventh athlete in history to reach billionaire status, solidifying his legacy not just as a sports icon but also as a shrewd businessman.

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Federer, who retired from professional tennis in 2022, earned around $130 million in prize money during his illustrious career, ranking him among the top earners in tennis history. However, the bulk of his wealth has come from endorsements, long-term brand partnerships, and smart business investments. His enduring marketability, charming persona, and global fan following have made him a favourite among sponsors for over two decades.

One of the key pillars of Federer’s fortune is his 3% stake in Swiss sportswear brand On, which he acquired in 2019. The company has since grown into a global powerhouse, with Federer’s share now valued at more than $375 million. Alongside this, his landmark $300 million endorsement deal with Uniqlo, along with partnerships with Nike, Rolex, Wilson, and Credit Suisse, has contributed massively to his net worth.

Federer now joins an elite list of billionaire athletes that includes Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ion Țiriac. Notably, he is only the second tennis player in history to reach this level of wealth, after Țiriac, who made most of his fortune through business ventures.

Beyond wealth, Federer’s influence stretches into philanthropy and global sports development. Through the Roger Federer Foundation, he has invested millions in educational programs for underprivileged children, particularly in Africa and his native Switzerland. His post-retirement years have seen him remain actively involved in tennis as a mentor, commentator, and ambassador, while also dedicating more time to business and family.

Federer’s journey from Basel to billionaire status reflects not only his dominance on the tennis court but also his ability to transition into life beyond sports with equal grace. For fans around the world, his rise to billionaire status is yet another reminder of how Federer continues to inspire — proving that excellence, discipline, and vision can create a legacy that transcends generations.

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Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor

Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.