11 Richest Badminton Players In The World

11 Richest Badminton Players In The World as legendary aces like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei make the top of the list.

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While football and basketball often steal the limelight in the world of sports, badminton has quietly produced some of the wealthiest athletes. Let’s take a look at the shuttle-wielding millionaires who have not only conquered the badminton court but also amassed considerable wealth.

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Richest Badminton Players In The World! Ranked!

Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei top the list of the richest badminton players, with net worths of 26 million and 16 million, respectively.

1. Lin Dan – Net worth: USD 26 million

Let’s start the list with the biggest name and the richest badminton player: Lindan

Regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time, Lin Dan’s net worth stands at an impressive USD 26 million, per multiple reports. The Chinese superstar, also known as “Super Dan” has clinched two Olympic gold medals, five World Championships, and countless other titles, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

As a huge star in his field, Lin Dan has a very high market. He is endorsed by brands like Oakley, Yonex, Montblanc, Pepsi, Gillette, Red Bull, Citroen, L’Oreal, Tsingtao, and KFC.

After dominating the badminton world for nearly two decades, Lin Dan announced his retirement from professional badminton on July 4, 2020, at the age of 37.

2. Lee Chong Wei – Net worth: USD 16 million

Malaysia’s badminton maestro, Lee Chong Wei, boasts a net worth of USD 16 million. Throughout his illustrious career, Lee captured three Olympic silver medals, a feat unmatched by any other Malaysian athlete, and held the world number one ranking for a record-breaking 349 weeks.

Lee retired, but his legacy still sits atop the badminton world. He earned the title Datuk and was described as a national hero by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

3. Chen Long – Net worth: USD 8 million

China’s Chen Long, an Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time World Champion, commands a net worth of USD 8 million. Known for his impeccable footwork and powerful smashes, Chen has been a dominant force in men’s singles badminton.

There is not much difference between Lin Dan’s and Chen Long’s playing style, as Chen Long is always ready for long rallies and tactical points, while dubbed a trick shot master. Chen had an estimated net worth of 1-5 million dollars back in 2019.

4. Taufik Hidayat – Net worth: USD 7.5 million

Indonesia’s badminton legend, Taufik Hidayat, boasts a net worth of USD 7.5 million. The Olympic gold medalist and former world number one is celebrated for his finesse and artistic style of play that captured the hearts of badminton enthusiasts around the globe.

According to Voi.id, this extraordinary player put Indonesia on the map of an elite badminton country. Hidayat is a former world champion, Olympic gold medalist (Athena, 2004), a former Asian champion on various occasions, and also a Southeast Asian Games winner and Thomas Cup.

5. PV Sindhu – Net worth: USD 6 million

India’s badminton sensation PV Sindhu has not only brought glory to her country but has also accumulated a net worth of USD 6 million. The Olympic silver medalist and World Champion has been a trailblazer for Indian badminton, inspiring a generation of aspiring players.

PV Sindhu is one of India’s most celebrated athletes. She won back-to-back Olympic medals—silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020. Her achievements also include a gold at the 2019 World Championships and two Commonwealth Games golds in 2018 and 2022.

She is one of India’s highest-paid athletes, has an estimated net worth of $7.1 million (approximately Rs 60 crore) as of 2023, according to Forbes and publicly available data.

6. Jan O Jorgensen – Net worth: USD 5.5 million

Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen, with a net worth of USD 5.5 million, has been a consistent force in men’s singles badminton. The former European Champion is known for his strategic gameplay and relentless pursuit of excellence on the court.

His peak milestone would be 2016, when Denmark beat Indonesia 3-2 in the Thomas Cup final Sunday, securing the nation’s first world badminton team championship after racking up eight second-place finishes over the decades.

7. Peter Gade – Net worth: USD 5 million

Danish badminton legend Peter Gade, with a net worth of USD 5 million, left an indelible mark on the sport during his illustrious career. Gade’s achievements include an Olympic silver medal and numerous European Championship titles.

According to Yonex, Gade was decorated with titles throughout his career. With 24 Grand Prix/Super Series titles, including the YONEX OPEN JAPAN in 1998 and five European Singles Champion titles, Denmark’s Peter Gade is one of the most successful badminton players in the history of the sport.

The Danish topped the men’s world rankings from 1998 until 2001, winning his first YONEX All England title in 1999. His dedication, sportsmanship and down-to-earth attitude have made him an excellent ambassador and role model for many aspiring players.

8. Saina Nehwal – Net worth: USD 5 million

Indian badminton queen Saina Nehwal, with a net worth of USD 5 million, has been a pioneer for women’s badminton in her country. The Olympic bronze medalist and former world number one continues to inspire aspiring players with her tenacity and skill.

She achieved a historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal. 

9. Wang Yihan – Net worth: USD 5 million

China’s Wang Yihan, with a net worth of USD 5 million, is a former World Champion and Olympic silver medalist. Her dominant presence in women’s singles badminton has contributed to China’s continued supremacy in the sport.

The Shanghai-born ace made significant contributions to the sport of badminton. Known by her nickname “Kitty,” she began playing badminton at the age of nine. Her physical education teacher noticed her talent during primary school, which led her to pursue the sport seriously.

10. Carolina Marin – Net worth: USD 3.5 million

Spanish sensation Carolina Marin, with a net worth of USD 3.5 million, made history by becoming the first non-Asian woman to win the Olympic gold medal in badminton. The reigning Olympic and World Champion has been a trailblazer for European badminton.

11. Kento Momota – Net worth: USD 3 million

Japan’s Kento Momota, with a net worth of USD 3 million, has emerged as a dominant force in men’s singles badminton. The reigning World Champion and Olympic gold medalist has elevated Japan’s presence on the international badminton stage.