By Jessica Murdock
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricketer from Bihar, made history by securing a contract worth Rs 1.10 crore with Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 mega auction. His remarkable achievement has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide. However, he is not alone in the world of teen athletes who have earned massive sums at a young age. From football to basketball, Formula 1, and even baseball, young prodigies across the globe are being rewarded with lucrative deals early in their careers. Here’s a look at some of these standout teen sports stars.
1. Football:
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal, Premier League)
- Debut Age: 15 years, 181 days (2022)
- Salary: £20,000 per week (~Rs 21 lakh per week)
Ethan Nwaneri made history as the youngest-ever Premier League debutant for Arsenal at just 15 years old. His reported weekly salary of £20,000 puts him among the highest-paid young athletes, far surpassing Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL contract in terms of weekly earnings.
Luka Romero (Mallorca, La Liga)
- Debut Age: 15 years, 219 days (2024)
- Transfer Fee: €5 million (~Rs 44 crore)
At 15, Luka Romero broke records as the youngest player to debut in La Liga. His €5 million transfer fee made him one of the most valuable teen athletes globally, dwarfing Vaibhav’s IPL earnings.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1)
- Debut Age: 16 years, 203 days (2024)
- Market Value: Rs 16 crore
PSG’s rising star, Ibrahim Mbaye, is valued at Rs 16 crore at just 16 years old, with his earnings likely to increase as his career progresses.
Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga)
- Debut Age: 16 years
- Salary: €6 million per season (~Rs 53 crore per season)
Moukoko, a teenage sensation in Germany’s Bundesliga, is reportedly earning a whopping €6 million per season. His salary far exceeds Vaibhav’s IPL contract, highlighting the massive financial rewards young footballers can secure.
Francesco Camarda (AC Milan, Serie A)
- Debut Age: 15 years, 260 days (2024)
- Salary: $450,000 per season (~Rs 3.8 crore)
Francesco Camarda debuted in Serie A at just 15 years old and is expected to earn significant sums as he continues his career with AC Milan.
2. Basketball:
- Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers, NBA)
- Debut Age: 18 years, 6 days (2005)
- Salary: $2 million (~Rs 16 crore per year)
Andrew Bynum was the youngest player to debut in the NBA at the time, and during his rookie season, he earned $2 million, setting a high benchmark for young basketball players.
3. Formula 1:
- Max Verstappen (Torro Rosso, F1)
- Debut Age: 17 years, 166 days (2015)
- Salary: €4.5 million per season (~Rs 38 crore)
Max Verstappen made his F1 debut at 17 years old and now commands a salary of €4.5 million per year, a stark contrast to Vaibhav’s IPL contract.
4. Baseball:
- Joe Nuxhall (Cincinnati Reds, MLB)
- Debut Age: 15 years, 10 months (1944)
- Salary: $175 per month (~Rs 2.6 lakh per month in 2024)
Though Joe Nuxhall debuted at just 15 years old, his salary in 1944 was modest. Nonetheless, it highlights how much the financial landscape for young athletes has changed over time.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Position in the Global Teen Athlete Landscape
Vaibhav’s IPL contract at Rs 1.1 crore is certainly an impressive achievement for a 13-year-old cricketer, but when compared to other teen stars in football, basketball, F1, and other sports, it’s clear that the earning potential in sports like football and Formula 1 is much higher for young athletes.
However, Vaibhav is just beginning his journey in the IPL, and with his extraordinary talent, his earnings and recognition in the cricketing world are likely to grow as his career progresses. His story serves as an inspiring example of how early talent and determination can lead to massive opportunities in the world of professional sports.
