According to a ranking by Ranking Royal, former tennis player and businessman Ion Țiriac holds a net worth of 2.3 billion dollars, making him the only European athlete to break into the top five wealthiest sports figures globally. Țiriac sits at number three worldwide in a list largely dominated by American sports tycoons.
The Wealthiest Athletes Globally According to Ranking Royal
American athletes claim the majority of spots at the top of the billionaire sports ranking, with former basketball player Michael Jordan leading the list. According to Ranking Royal, Jordan holds a fortune of $4.3 billion at age 63. Former professional wrestling executive and promoter Vince McMahon, 80, ranks second with a net worth of $3.2 billion.
Țiriac secures the third position globally at age 87. Six other athletes in the top ten hold fortunes below the $2-billion mark. Former basketball player Magic Johnson, 66, occupies the fourth spot with 1.6 billion dollars, followed by golfer Tiger Woods, 50, and the late basketball player Junior Bridgeman, who both hold fortunes valued at 1.5 billion dollars. Bridgeman passed away in March 2025 at age 71.
LeBron James, 41, represents the final American in the upper tier, holding the eighth spot with a net worth of 1.4 billion dollars. International sports stars round out the remainder of the top ten. Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, shares the eighth position with a fortune of 1.2 billion dollars, according to the data. Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer, 44, follows with an estimated 1.1 billion dollars. Argentine footballer Leo Messi, 39, occupies the tenth position with a net worth reaching 1 billion dollars.
How Ion Țiriac Built His Empire From Tennis Courts to Business
Țiriac retired from professional tennis competition during the 1970s. Rather than leaving the sport, he transitioned into coaching and management roles. According to historical sports records, he successfully guided prominent players including Guillermo Vilas, now 73, Marat Safin, 46, and Boris Becker, 58.
Industry observers often describe Becker as the “copilul de suflet” or protégé of the Romanian magnate. Țiriac played a direct role in the German player’s athletic rise, helping secure five of Becker’s six major tennis titles during the period of their collaboration.
Following his success on the coaching circuit, Țiriac channeled his earnings into a diverse commercial portfolio. His business empire spans the real estate, automotive, banking, and insurance sectors, establishing him among the richest individuals in Romania.
Did you know? Ion Țiriac is currently 87 years old and remains the sole European representative inside the top five of Ranking Royal’s global athlete wealth list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ion Țiriac’s net worth?
According to Ranking Royal, Ion Țiriac holds a net worth of 2.3 billion dollars.
Where does Ion Țiriac rank among the world’s richest athletes?
He ranks third globally, making him the only European athlete in the top five of the Ranking Royal list.
Who leads the Ranking Royal list of wealthy athletes?
Former basketball player Michael Jordan leads the ranking with a net worth of $4.3 billion.
Which industries form the foundation of Țiriac’s wealth?
His business empire includes investments in real estate, the automotive industry, banking, and insurance, built upon capital originally earned through professional tennis and coaching.
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