In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through both the cycling and sports business worlds, Wout van Aert has officially signed a record-shattering endorsement deal worth $15 million per year with Adidas, making him the highest-paid cyclist of all time.
The Belgian superstar — known for his dominance across road, cyclocross, and time trials — has now broken another kind of record: a commercial one.
According to multiple sources close to the negotiations, the Adidas deal spans multiple years and includes:
- 📦 A signature Wout van Aert performance line
- 🌍 Global branding campaigns
- 🚴♂️ Exclusive gear collaborations tied to major races
- 🎬 Documentary and streaming content on his training and mindset
With this contract, Van Aert has not only surpassed previous commercial giants like Peter Sagan and Chris Froome — he’s redefined what cyclists can earn in the modern era.
In a joint statement, Adidas praised van Aert as:
“A generational athlete whose power, poise, and versatility reflect the very values of our brand. Wout is not just a rider — he’s a force of nature.”
This marks Adidas’ most aggressive move yet into the cycling world, signaling a massive shift in athlete marketing.
Wout van Aert’s record-breaking deal represents a new era for the sport. Often overshadowed by other global sports in terms of income, cycling is now entering a phase where athletes are becoming international marketing icons, not just endurance warriors.
His success both on and off the bike — including dominance at Tour de France stages, cyclocross championships, and one-day classics — has made him a household name in Europe and increasingly in global markets.
Van Aert, who remains humble despite the buzz, simply said:
“It’s an honor to represent a brand like Adidas — but more than anything, it’s a responsibility to keep pushing boundaries. On the bike and beyond.”
Here’s how Van Aert now stacks up in the all-time earnings race:
| 🚴 Cyclist | 💰 Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Wout van Aert | $15M+ |
| Peter Sagan | ~$7M |
| Tadej Pogačar | ~$6.5M |
| Chris Froome | ~$5.5M |
| Remco Evenepoel | ~$4M |
As the 2025 cycling season approaches, all eyes will be on van Aert — not just to see how many podiums he can climb, but how high he can lift the sport itself.
