Usain Bolt’s net worth is staggering, even today - or perhaps especially - when he’s no longer running. Here’s how much he earns between salaries, sponsorships, and investments.
Usain Bolt is not only the greatest sprinter in history, but a global icon capable of transforming his talent into a legendary sporting career and a business empire (much like Michael Jordan is for basketball). Known as the "Lightning Bolt" or "the fastest man alive," Bolt changed track and field forever, setting records that still stand today and becoming a global figurehead not only in sport, but also in business.
After retiring in 2017, Bolt has never stopped making headlines. On the one hand, for his investments and business ventures, on the other, for controversial episodes such as the financial fraud that cost him millions of dollars in 2023. Yet, even years after his last race, Usain Bolt’s net worth remains impressive: in 2025, it is estimated to be around $90 million.
His fortune, built largely through endorsements and his global image, demonstrates how Bolt has managed to remain relevant well beyond the athletics track. Let’s find out who Usain Bolt really is, how much he earns today, and why he remains one of the richest and most influential former athletes in the world.
Who is Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world
Usain St. Leo Bolt was born on August 21, 1986, in Sherwood Content, Jamaica. From an early age, he showed exceptional talent for running, so much so that at just 12 years old, he became the fastest man in his school. His athletic career began in earnest in high school, when a coach noticed his speed during a cricket match and steered him toward track and field.
From there, an unstoppable climb began: in 2002, at just 15 years old, he became the youngest world junior champion ever, winning gold in the 200 meters. But it was in 2008 that his name definitively entered history: at the Beijing Olympics, he won three gold medals (100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay), setting world records that still stand today in the 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds).
Bolt marked an era: the only athlete to win both the 100 and 200 meters at three consecutive Olympics (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016), for a total of eight Olympic gold medals. His style, speed, and even his famous "lightning bolt" pose made him a global icon.
He retired in 2017, after an injury at the World Championships in London, but his sporting legacy remains intact. Even today, Bolt is considered the greatest sprinter of all time, and his name is synonymous with speed itself.
Usain Bolt’s Net Worth: Here’s How Much the Former Sprinter Earns
During his career, Usain Bolt earned much more from advertising contracts than from track-and-field prize money. According to Forbes, in his peak year (2017-2018), he earned approximately $31 million, of which $30 million came from sponsorships and just $1 million from competitions.
His longtime sponsor is Puma, which for years has guaranteed him a multimillion-dollar contract (up to $9 million a year). Added to this are partnerships with global brands such as Gatorade, Nissan, Visa, Virgin Media, Hublot, and Regupol. Bolt’s strength wasn’t just in winning, but in becoming a living brand, capable of generating millions with his image alone.
In 2018, his net worth was estimated at around $90 million, a figure that remains the most cited even today. However, in 2023, an event threatened to jeopardize his fortune: Bolt was the victim of a sensational financial fraud in Jamaica, linked to the company Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), which allegedly caused approximately $12-13 million to disappear from his accounts.
Despite this loss, his total net worth is estimated to be around $90 million again in 2025 (source: Celebrity Net Worth).
This is because Bolt has continued to generate revenue through sponsorships, investments, and public appearances. It is estimated, in fact, that he charges up to $500,000 to participate in a single event as a brand ambassador.
Usain Bolt on Sponsorships, Projects, and Investments: Here’s Why He Earns So Much
While his earnings on the track have been relatively modest compared to other sports, what makes Usain Bolt unique is his ability to monetize his fame. Sponsorships remain his primary source of income even today. The aforementioned Puma, which has supported him since 2003, continues to be his main sponsor. His image as a universal, clean, and charismatic champion has allowed him to maintain a very high market value even after his retirement.
In addition to sponsorships, Bolt has become an entrepreneur. He has invested in various sectors:
- restaurants: the "Tracks & Records" chain present in Jamaica and the United Kingdom;
- electric mobility: in 2018, he co-founded Bolt Mobility, an electric scooter and car startup that raised over $30 million in funding before ceasing operations in 2022;
- music and entertainment: He has produced dancehall tracks and collaborated with artists, leveraging his passion for Jamaican music;
- NFTs and digital collectibles: Bolt has joined the board of Autograph, a platform co-founded by Tom Brady for the management of sports-related digital assets and NFTs.
In addition to these projects, he has appeared as a motivational speaker, collaborated in the world of eSports, and been involved in charity events. Not just a "Lightning" on the dance floor, but also a champion in transforming his name into a timeless brand.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Quanto guadagna Usain Bolt? Il patrimonio dell’uomo più veloce del mondo
