Shohei Ohtani: MLB playoffs could bring Los Angeles Dodgers star to world fame

Ohtani joined the Angels prior to the 2018 season and was named the American League's Rookie of the Year.

After a few seasons marred by injuries, Ohtani was named the AL's Most Valuable Player in 2021 and 2023, finishing second in 2022.

He then became a free agent and the Dodgers signed him to a ten-year contract worth $700 million (£558 million). In May, Forbes, external said that former Manchester United footballer Ronaldo was the highest paid athlete in the last 12 months. But the total value of Ohtani's contract is greater than that of Ronaldo, Messi and American football quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

According to Forbes, Ohtani's on-field earnings were more than doubled by his off-field earnings of $60 million (£45.2 million). Only Messi and basketball stars LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo earned more.

This year, James and Ohtani signed exclusive long-term trading card deals with Topps – a division of Fanatics Collectibles. Their President of Trading Cards, David Leiner, explains that Ohtani isn't just popular because he's a “one-off player.”

“He’s a really likeable guy,” he says. “He gives his best on the field and is a great face for the game. It goes beyond baseball.”

Ohtani is top secret about his personal life and shockingly announced in February that he had married a “typical, everyday person.” Two weeks later, he revealed his wife's identity by sharing a picture on Instagram.

He also taught his dog Decoy to “throw out” the first pitch at a game in August, and he even had pictures of him on his boots and the lining of his suit for this year's All-Star Game.