France's 10 Richest Swimmers: Ranking of 2025 Fortunes

France's richest swimmers

French swimming doesn't just shine with its Olympic medals, it can also make a lot of money! A number of French swimmers, thanks to their exploits and fame, have accumulated small fortunes over the years. Discover the ten richest French swimmers, with their competition bonuses, sponsorship contracts and successful reconversions.

Top 10 Richest French Swimmers in 2025

10. Malia Metella - Estimated wealth : 1 million euros

• Biography and achievements : Originally from Cayenne in French Guiana, Malia Metella made her mark in the 2000s by becoming the first black French Olympic medalist. She won a silver medal 50 m freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics, confirming her status as an elite sprinter. World vice-champion in 2005, five-time European champion, she was an emblematic figure in French swimming before retiring in 2009.

• Main sources of income : Malia Metella's fortune comes mainly from Olympic bonuses his medal (a handsome sum paid by the State and sponsors after 2004) and his sponsoring agreements during her career. In her heyday, jersey brands and local businesses supported this champion, enabling her to put money aside comfortably. Since her retirement, Malia has stayed close to the sport by taking part in events and associations, ensuring some additional income while living peacefully on the achievements of her career.

9. Jérémy Stravius - Estimated wealth : 1.2 million euros

• Biography and achievements : A versatile swimmer, Jérémy Stravius has excelled in both back crawl than in freestyle. It becomes world champion 100 m backstroke in 2011 (title shared with Camille Lacourt) and climbed to the top of Olympus by winning Olympic gold of the 4×100 m freestyle relay at London 2012 (he was part of the victorious French team in the heats). Stravius has also added several world and European medals to his list of achievements, making him one of the pillars of French swimming in the 2010s.

• Main sources of income : Jérémy Stravius's fortune has been built on prize money international competitions (his gold and silver medals earned him bonuses from the federation and the state), as well as contracts with professional teams. A graduate of Amiens and then Nice, he earned a top athlete's salary and benefited from technical sponsors (brands of swimming equipment) throughout his career. In addition local sponsorship initiatives (subsidies from his home town, partnerships with regional companies) which have enabled him to build up a net worth of around 1.2 million euros. A discreet but efficient swimmer, Stravius has wisely set aside enough money to see him through his sporting retirement.

8. Amaury Leveaux - Estimated wealth : 1.5 million euros

• Biography and achievements : A colorful figure in French swimming, Amaury Leveaux is known for his records and outspokenness. This tall sprinter (2.02 m) won the four olympic medals in total, including gold in the 4×100 m freestyle relay at the 2012 Olympic Games and a individual silver medal in the 50 m freestyle at Beijing 2008. Olympic record-holder in the 50 m freestyle in 2008, he has also set world records in swimming. large basin and in small basin (including a resounding 100 m freestyle in 44.94 in 2008, a small pool record that still stands). Retired from the pool in 2013, he created a stir by publishing a shock autobiography "Sex, drugs and swimming before attempting a comeback for the 2020 Olympics.

• Main sources of income : Amaury Leveaux's fortune can be explained by his competition winnings (Olympic medal bonuses and endowments for world records), but also through his sponsoring agreements during his heyday. He was supported by equipment manufacturers and received bonuses for his outstanding performances. After his initial retirement, Leveaux diversified his income by publishing his book (sales of which brought him a not inconsiderable sum) and taking part in television programs. His media personality has opened doors for him: paid appearances, brand collaborations, etc. Add to this a probable career change as a sports consultant and you have an estimated net worth of 1.5 million euros for this atypical champion.

7. Frédérick Bousquet - Estimated wealth : 2 million euros

• Biography and achievements : An explosive sprinter, Frédérick "Fred" Bousquet made history by becoming the first man to go under 21 seconds 50 m freestyle in 2009 (20.94 sec, world record at the time). Olympic bronze medallist in the 4×100 m relay in 2008, runner-up in the 50 m freestyle in 2010, he collected European and national titles throughout his long career. Bousquet was also NCAA champion during his university years in the USA, and his fame was amplified by his media presence, particularly when he formed a glamorous couple with Laure Manaudou in the mid-2000s.

• Main sources of income : Frédérick Bousquet's fortune comes in large part from his sports sponsorship contracts. As a former world record-holder, he has been a popular ambassador for swimwear and equipment brands (Arena has long supported him). His podium bonuses (Olympic Games 2008, World Championships 2010) and his salary as a professional swimmer with Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille and then CN Antibes provided a solid financial foundation. A visionary, Bousquet also invested outside the pool: he launched thereal estate in Marseilleand made handsome capital gains. Now a local councillor for sports in Marseille, he receives an elected representative's allowance on top of his income. As a result, he now has around 2 million euros under his belt, and is able to enjoy a quiet life between his passion for sport and his business activities.

6. Camille Muffat - Estimated wealth : 2.5 million euros

• Biography and achievements : Olympic champion At just 22 years of age, Camille Muffat made her mark on the London 2012 Olympic Games by winning three medals gold in the 400 m freestyle, silver in the 200 m freestyle and bronze in the 4×200 m relay. A calm-tempered athlete, she was Laure Manaudou's heir in the hearts of the French, also racking up national titles and records (former world record holder in the small pool). Her career was brilliant but brief: after a final competition at the end of 2014, she retired from the sport. Tragically, Camille Muffat left us in 2015, at the age of 25, in a helicopter accident in Argentina, putting an end to the career of an extraordinary champion.

• Main sources of income : Despite her shortened career, Camille Muffat had time to build up a comfortable fortune. Her Olympic medals earned her substantial bonuses (nearly €50,000 for the gold, and tens of thousands of euros for her other medals, paid by the French government and the CNOSF). Above all, she benefited from lucrative sponsorship contracts in 2012-2013, at the height of her popularity - companies such as EDF (partner of the French swimmers) and sports equipment manufacturers sponsored her. She appeared in advertising campaigns, which earned her substantial fees. She also signed image contracts (media appearances, sports galas) after her Olympic success. Had fate not struck her down, her fortune would have grown even further; as it stands, it's estimated at around 2.5 million euros, testifying to the financial impact of a major Olympic swimming title.

5. Camille Lacourt - Estimated wealth : 3 million euros

• Biography and achievements : With his model looks and ideal son-in-law smile, Camille Lacourt was one of the poster boys of French swimming in the 2010s. A backstroke specialist, he narrowly missed out on a medal at the 2012 Olympics (4ᵉ in the 100 m backstroke), but made up for it at the Worlds: four-time world champion (including three 50 m backstroke titles in 2013, 2015 and 2017, and a 100 m backstroke title in 2011). He has also ruled Europe with five European titles. Now a celebrity, Lacourt has been able to capitalize on his image of the "hunk" of swimming pools - he even won the French version of Dancing with the Stars in 2017, proving its popularity beyond the sport.

• Main sources of income : Camille Lacourt's income comes first and foremost from his long sporting career at the highest level: world medal bonuses, club salary (first in Marseille, then in Paris) and support from the Federation. But it's mainly off the water that he's filled his bank account. His media image has earned him numerous advertising contracts From perfumes to men's skincare products to sportswear, brands have benefited from his charisma. Lacourt has also multiplied his paid TV appearances (entertainment shows, sports columns), especially after his retirement in 2017, which swelled his fortune. Married for a time to a Miss France, he often attended VIP galas and events - a network that enabled him to negotiate fruitful partnerships. By 2025, Camille Lacourt was estimated to have accumulated around 3 million euros, between sport and show business, making him one of France's wealthiest swimmers.

4. Yannick Agnel - Estimated wealth : 4 million euros

• Biography and achievements : Double Olympic champion At just 20 years of age, Yannick Agnel was the big man on the French side of the 2012 London Olympics. The Nîmes native took gold in the 200 m freestyle and the 4×100 m freestyle relay, adding a silver medal in the 4×200 m relay - a resounding hat-trick that made him London's "superstar". World champion in the 200 m freestyle in 2013, and European record-holder, Agnel enjoyed an intense if relatively short career (sporting retirement in 2016). Known for his intelligence and thoughtful reconversion, he surprised many by getting involved in e-sport after his career, while remaining a respected figure in the sporting world.

• Main sources of income : Yannick Agnel's fortune was built in large part during his Olympic apogee. His London medals earned him substantial bonuses and above all major sponsorship contracts After 2012, prestigious sponsors (watchmaking, sports nutrition, etc.) associated themselves with his image as a humble and talented champion. In particular, he acted as ambassador for operations linked to the Olympic Games and received image rights participating in media campaigns for Paris 2024. In addition to this, Agnel has negotiated a consultant contract with Canal+ to commentate swimming competitions, ensuring him a regular income after retirement. Finally, his involvement in an e-sport team as an investor-adviser has enabled him to diversify his assets. All in all, Yannick Agnel is said to have around 4 million euros, the fruit of a successful career both in and out of the water.

3. Florent Manaudou - Estimated wealth : 5 million euros

• Biography and achievements : Laure's younger brother, Florent Manaudou has made a name for himself by becoming Olympic champion. An outstanding sprinter, he surprised everyone by winning gold in the 50 m freestyle at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He went on to add to his collection with two Olympic silver medals (2016 and 2021) and multiple world and European titles. Florent's 2 meters of power and natural charisma win over the public. Away from the pool, he has shown an eclectic personality, not hesitating to try his hand at professional handball or to take to the catwalk... for Fashion Week!

• Main sources of income : Florent Manaudou has turned the London trial into solid gold. His fortune is estimated at 5 million euros Most of it, of course, comes from his sporting career: performance bonuses (he received, for example, the Olympic bonus for his 2012 title, and awards for his records) and salary within elite structures (Army and civilian clubs). But above all, Florent has capitalized on its image. A true icon, he has signed large advertising contracts - in particular with PumaHe is the brand's swimwear and sportswear ambassador.

Partnerships with watch, dietary supplement and automotive brands have also contributed around 2 million euros to its assets. Innovative, Manaudou has diversified her activities he worked as a model (fashion shows) and even tried his luck as a actor (appearances in TV series), which adds further revenue. Add to this his announced investments in thereal estate and a line of sportswear to his name, and it's easy to see how Florent Manaudou built up his 5 million. Still active and with his sights set on the Paris 2024 Olympics, there's no doubt that his fortune could grow even further if he adds to his already impressive list of achievements.

2. Alain Bernard - Estimated wealth : 6 million euros

• Biography and achievements : A pioneer of the new wave of French swimming, Alain Bernard was the first French men's Olympic champion since 1952. This trained electrician from Aubagne, France, electrified Beijing in 2008 by winning gold in the 100 m freestyle (becoming "the world's fastest man in the water"). In total, he has four olympic medals two in gold, one in silver and one in bronze (Olympic Games 2008 and 2012). Add to this several world relay titles and world records in the 50 m and 100 m freestyle, and you have one of the finest records in French sport. After his career, which came to an end in 2012, Alain Bernard devoted himself to his activities as a consultant and sports ambassador.

• Main sources of income : Alain Bernard's fortune, estimated at around 6 million euros, has been built on his Olympic successes and their operation. His medals have brought him premiums of course, but it's his sponsoring agreements that made all the difference. In the late 2000s, he was the face of French men's swimming, and brands such as ARENA (equipment manufacturer)Orange and EDF have forged partnerships with him. He has also appeared in TV commercials and promotional operations, which have paid off handsomely. At the same time, Alain published a autobiographical book and is a regular contributor as corporate speakerhis experience as a champion (leadership, pressure management...). In addition, he has served as sports consultant television (commentator on swimming competitions), earning fees for his expert analyses. A shrewd investor, he invested his earnings in a number of personal projects and real estate on the Côte d'Azur. All of this means that, in 2025, Alain Bernard will still be one of the French former sportsmen with the most solid assets, well maintained after the end of the competitions.

1. Laure Manaudou - Estimated wealth : 7 million euros

• Biography and achievements : French swimming legend, Laure Manaudou paved the way for French success. At the age of 17, she became Olympic champion in the 400 m freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics - the first Frenchwoman to win a swimming title in 52 years! She left Greece with three Olympic medals (gold, silver, bronze) and became a national star. After that, Laure piled up the titles: three-time world champion, 18-time European champion, she dominated the scene until 2007. Her fame exploded, making her one of the most talked-about French sportswomen in history. After an initial retirement in 2009 and a comeback for the 2012 Olympic Games, Laure Manaudou hung up her goggles for good in 2013, on the strength of an extraordinary list of achievements.

• Main sources of income : Laure Manaudou is not only France's most successful swimmer, but also its wealthiest. Her fortune is estimated at around 7 million eurosThe company has amassed a fortune thanks to its exploits and image. During her meteoric career, she has signed record advertising contracts. By 2005, sponsors were snapping her up: the champion revealed that she earned almost1 million euros per year contracts after her Olympic title, over periods of 4-5 years. Brands such as EDF, L'Oréal and Speedo invested in her, putting her on magazine covers and TV commercials. She also marketed a line of products under his name (swimming goggles, jewelry) and published an autobiographical book, generating additional income. At her peak, Laure Manaudou was a veritable business in her own right - it is estimated that she earned up to 7 million euros over the course of her career.
• Even though her income declined after retirement, she was able to make her capital grow: real estate investments, paid media appearances, and the role ofluxury ambassador (Paris 2024 chose her to carry the Olympic flame at the Games ceremony, a sign of her aura still intact). Now a mother, Laure Manaudou remains an icon whose sporting and financial success has inspired a whole generation.

FAQ : Frequently asked questions about the wealth of French swimmers

Q: Who is the richest French swimmer?
R : In 2025, the richest French swimmer is Laure Manaudouwith an estimated fortune of around 7 million euros. With her Olympic title in 2004 and a host of sponsors, Laure has turned her exploits into a solid nest egg. She is ahead of other champions such as Alain Bernard and Florent Manaudou in terms of accumulated wealth.

Q: Which active French swimmer has the greatest fortune?
R : Currently, the wealthiest active French swimmer is Florent Manaudouwhich holds approximately 5 million euros heritage. Florent is still competing and has his sights set on the Paris 2024 Olympics. The other French greats (Laure Manaudou, Alain Bernard, Yannick Agnel) are all retired, making Florent the financial leader among active swimmers. It's worth noting that the next generation of swimmers is coming into its own: young talents such as Léon Marchand are beginning to attract sponsors, but they're still a long way behind Florent in terms of wealth.

Q: How do French swimmers accumulate their wealth?
R : Swimmers earn money in several ways. First, through competitions In France, an Olympic title earns a bonus of around €50,000, a silver medal around €20,000 and a bronze medal around €13,000. World and European championships also offer bonuses and rewards to medal winners. Then, and above all, come the sponsoring and advertising contracts. The best swimmers sign with equipment manufacturers (swimsuits, goggles, etc.) and appear in advertisements for brands (banks, telecoms, sports food, etc.).

These contracts can be worth hundreds of thousands of euros a year for the most famous. Laure Manaudou and Alain Bernard, for example, earned millions from their sponsors at the peak of their careers. Many French swimmers are also employed by institutions (Army, Police, professional clubs) who pay them a salary to train and represent their colors. Finally, some stars diversify their income by publishing booksby participating in television programs or by investing in companies. It's this combination of bonuses, salaries and private partnerships that enables elite swimmers to become millionaires.

Q: Are French swimmers among the richest in the world?
R : In swimming, France has some wealthy champions, but on a global scale they lag behind the richest. The richest swimmer in the world is the American Michael PhelpsOlympic medal record-holder, with a fortune estimated at around $80 million. Other international stars such as Mark Spitz, Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel have much higher net worths than the French (between 5 and 20 million euros for these foreign champions). At ~7 million euros, Laure Manaudou or Alain Bernard can't compete with the American, Australian or Chinese behemoths in terms of wealth.

Nevertheless, Florent Manaudou and co. have nothing to be ashamed of: they've proved that a career in swimming is possible. and earn a very good living, even if the sums involved are lower than in soccer or tennis. French swimming, thanks to its star performers, shows that it can combine sporting performance with financial success, on its own scale.