On Wednesday, April 2, Forbes published its World’s Celebrity Billionaires list, revealing that the number of entertainers and athletes who have crossed the ten-figure threshold has grown from 14 to 18. To make this list, Forbes chose to feature people who became famous first, then massively rich afterwards. Among them is Barbados‘ very own Rihanna, who ranks at No. 13 as the only Caribbean celebrity in the billionaire club. With an estimated net worth of U$1.4 billion, the global superstar continues to solidify her legacy—not just as a hitmaker but as a powerhouse entrepreneur.
Rihanna, who first captivated audiences in 2005 with Pon de Replay, has since built a business empire that outshines even her chart-topping music career. According to Forbes, her wealth stems primarily from her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, and her lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, which raised $125 million in a 2022 funding round. Despite not releasing a new album since Anti in 2016, Rihanna remains one of the world’s richest female musicians, outpacing many of her peers in the business world.
Joining Rihanna on the list is hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, who boasts an impressive net worth of U$2.5 billion. The 99 Problems rapper’s fortune comes from an extensive portfolio that includes his liquor brands, Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Ussé cognac, as well as a lucrative stake in Uber and a high-value art collection featuring works by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Meanwhile, basketball icon Michael Jordan remains the wealthiest athlete, with a staggering U$3.5 billion, largely fueled by his long-standing Nike partnership.
The biggest addition to this year’s rankings is legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who joins the billionaire ranks at U$1.1 billion, thanks to syndication deals from Seinfeld and lucrative stand-up specials. The 2025 list also welcomed The Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger and WWE mastermind Vincent McMahon, emphasizing how entertainment icons continue to diversify their income streams. With a collective net worth of U$39 billion, these 18 stars prove that fame, when leveraged wisely, can lead to staggering financial success.
