Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Rocket’s Return, Legacy, and $20 Million Net Worth

Few names in the world of sports command as much awe, controversy, and sheer admiration as Ronnie O’Sullivan. With a career spanning over three decades, O’Sullivan isn’t just snooker’s greatest showman—he’s a cultural icon whose brilliance at the table has been matched only by his headline-making life off it. Now, in 2025, at the age of 49, Ronnie “The Rocket” O’Sullivan is gearing up for a dramatic return to the World Snooker Championship, reigniting his notorious rivalry with Ali Carter—and proving that, love him or loathe him, the Rocket is still very much in orbit.

With an estimated net worth of $20 million, O’Sullivan has built a fortune not only on his record-breaking achievements but also on sponsorships, media deals, and an enduring global fanbase.

Who is Ronnie O’Sullivan?

Born on December 5, 1975, in Wordsley, England, Ronnie O’Sullivan picked up a cue at just seven years old. By the time he was 15, he had already made his first televised century break. Nicknamed “The Rocket” for his lightning-fast playing style, O’Sullivan has gone on to win:

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• 7 World Snooker Championships (joint-most in history)
• 23 Triple Crown titles
• 41 ranking titles

But his life hasn’t just been about potting balls. O’Sullivan’s personal story—marked by mental health battles, family tragedy, and high-profile relationships—has captivated fans far beyond the snooker circuit.

What is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Net Worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s net worth is estimated at $20 million.

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While a large portion of that comes from prize money, O’Sullivan has also secured major sponsorship deals, penned best-selling books, and starred in documentaries that have made him a household name across the globe.

How Did Ronnie O’Sullivan Make His Money?

1. Prize Money

With over £14.5 million ($18 million) in career prize earnings, O’Sullivan remains the highest-earning player in snooker history. In the 2023/24 season alone, despite a lighter playing schedule, he pocketed £1.25 million after winning:

• Shanghai Masters
• UK Championship
• The Masters
• World Grand Prix
• World Masters

His dominance in snooker’s most prestigious events ensures a steady flow of income, even with selective appearances.

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2. Sponsorships & Endorsements

O’Sullivan has inked deals with top brands like:

• ROKiT (tech and telecom)
• Eurosport (broadcast partner and punditry role)
• BCE Riley (snooker tables and accessories)

His marketability as the sport’s biggest name ensures he continues to earn six-figure endorsement deals annually.

3. Books & Media Projects

Ronnie is also a published author, having written:

• Running: The Autobiography
• Framed, Double Kiss, and The Break (crime fiction novels inspired by his own experiences)

In addition, his Amazon Prime documentary, Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything, gave fans unprecedented access to his emotional highs and lows, further expanding his audience and media appeal.

4. TV & Appearances

In recent years, O’Sullivan has dabbled in television presenting, reality appearances, and punditry, adding to his diverse income streams.

Life Beyond the Baize: Family, Love, and Loss

O’Sullivan’s personal life has been as complex as his cueing technique. He shares three children with previous partners, including his eldest daughter Taylor-Ann, who made him a grandfather at age 42.

His most public relationship was with actress Laila Rouass, whom he began dating in 2012. After a near-decade-long, on-off engagement, the couple finally split for good in early 2024, following a brief reconciliation. Rouass later shared insights on navigating heartbreak via Instagram, with posts that subtly referenced her emotional growth following their breakup.

But perhaps the most traumatic moment of Ronnie’s life came early, when his father, Ronnie O’Sullivan Sr., was sentenced to 18 years in prison for murder in 1992. The family tried to shield Ronnie from the truth at the time—sending him to Thailand for a tournament—but the revelation shook him deeply.

His mother, Maria, recounted in the Prime documentary how painful it was not being able to tell him face-to-face:

“I couldn’t tell Ronnie. I thought that if he goes to Thailand, he won’t know what’s going on. It’ll blow over.”

The emotional toll of that chapter in his life still lingers, and is a central part of his reflective and candid storytelling in recent years.

Rivalries and the 2025 Comeback

O’Sullivan’s return to the Crucible in 2025 sees him face off against Ali Carter, reigniting a fierce rivalry that dates back to their infamous 2018 clash. From shoulder barges to on-table trash talk, their matches have always been electric.

Now, after a brief self-imposed break from snooker in 2024 following a mid-match meltdown, Ronnie is back, focused, and ready to let his cue do the talking. Fans are eager to see whether the Rocket still has the firepower to win an eighth world title, which would break the all-time record.

Sources of Income Summary