Simone Biles and the mystery of her exit from the sport’s most prestigious list

Simone Biles surprises the world once again, but this time not for her acrobatics. The gymnastics star has disappeared from the list of the highest-paid athletes of 2025, leaving fans and experts with more questions than answers.

After years of consecutive appearances on Forbes rankings, her absence raises mystery and debate about what it means to be active in the sports world and how an athlete’s financial success is measured.

The surprising absence of a legend

For years, Simone Biles has been synonymous with excellence and global fame. According to ImpactWealth.org, her net worth in 2025 reaches $25 million, an impressive figure that surpasses many athletes who did make Forbes’ list, such as Jessica Pegula, who ranked tenth with $12.3 million.

So the inevitable question arises, how can an athlete with such fortune be left out of a ranking meant to recognize the best and most lucrative?

The answer, though simple, remains controversial. Forbes published its annual list of the highest-paid female athletes in the world, highlighting 20 figures from sports such as tennis, athletics, rugby, and skiing.

However, Simone Biles was excluded because this year the list only includes athletes who actively competed in 2025.

After her brilliant performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver, Biles decided to take a competitive sabbatical, prioritizing her well-being and personal life over constant media exposure.

Simone Biles between records and mysteries

Although Simone Biles did not compete in 2025, her impact on gymnastics and women’s sports remains unquestionable.

Her absence from the Forbes list sets a precedent. An athlete’s financial success does not always depend on yearly media visibility. But also on the legacy they leave and the personal brand they build with each triumph.

For fans, this represents an intriguing mystery. Will Biles return to the list in 2026, or will her focus shift to other projects outside competitive sports?

For now, Simone Biles continues to be a global reference. Admired not only for her gymnastics skills but also for her ability to redefine the rules of the game.