Shohei Ohtani is set to make a highly anticipated return to the mound as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of a four-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres, Major League Baseball (MLB) officials have announced.
Known globally for his rare dual-threat ability as both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter, Ohtani has redefined the modern baseball player. Born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, he burst onto the MLB scene with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and quickly became one of the most electrifying talents in the sport, captivating fans with his extraordinary skill on both sides of the game.
In 2024, Ohtani signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers-the largest contract in professional sports history at that time. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2023, which kept him off the mound during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Ohtani continued to excel offensively. In 2024, he led the National League with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, showcasing his resilience and versatility.
Accordin to Forbes’s World’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes, Ohtani stands out among the world’s highest-earning athletes with total earnings of $102.5 million. What’s remarkable is that $100 million of this comes from endorsements, while his on-field earnings are just $2.5 million. This is a stark contrast to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, whose income mainly comes from playing contracts.
Ronaldo leads the list with $275 million in total earnings, driven largely by his $225 million on-field salary and $50 million in endorsements. Stephen Curry follows with $156 million, thanks in part to $100 million from endorsements. Boxer Tyson Fury ranks third with $146 million, mostly from his fights. Other notable athletes include NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and soccer legend Lionel Messi, who earned $135 million with a strong endorsement portfolio.
Ohtani’s global appeal has turned him into a marketing powerhouse. His $100 million endorsement earnings in 2025 surpass those of Ronaldo, Messi, LeBron James, and Tyson Fury. He partners with more than 20 major brands, including New Balance, Seiko, Porsche Japan, and Mitsubishi Bank. His popularity also benefits the Dodgers, who gained an estimated $70 million in additional revenue from Japanese sponsorships thanks to his presence.
As of mid-2025, Ohtani is preparing for a pitching return with the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. With three MLB Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and historic achievements under his belt, he is regarded as one of the greatest dual-threat players in baseball history. Off the field, Ohtani is known for his humble demeanor. Recently, he married former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, and the couple welcomed their first child.
Shohei Ohtani’s rare combination of on-field excellence and off-field marketability has not only changed the game but also made him a global sports icon and a powerful economic force in the industry.