Ronaldo tops Forbes’ highest-paid athlete list in 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named Forbes’ highest-paid athlete in the world for the third consecutive year.
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Ronaldo is Forbes’ highest-paid athlete in 2025
Ronaldo garnered an estimated $275 million in total earnings following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
The Portuguese forward boosted his income by $15 million through off-field endorsements and lucrative sponsorship deals.
Meanwhile, his longtime rival Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with $135 million in earnings — the same as last year.
Now playing for MLS side Inter Miami CF, Messi continues to secure high-profile endorsements from brands like Adidas and Apple.
On the other hand, France striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, ranks eighth with $104 million in earnings.
Elsewhere, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry climbed to second place with $156 million, while boxer Tyson Fury secured third with $146 million.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott followed in fourth with $137 million.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James came in sixth with $133.8 million, and New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto ranked seventh.
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani is in ninth place with $102.5 million, while NBA star Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns rounds out the top 10 with $101.4 million.
World’s 10 highest-paid athletes 2025
- Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $275m
- Stephen Curry, basketball: $156m
- Tyson Fury, boxing: $146m
- Dak Prescott, American football: $137m
- Lionel Messi, football: $135m
- LeBron James, basketball: $133.8m
- Juan Soto, baseball: $114m
- Karim Benzema, football: $104m
- Shohei Ohtani, baseball: $102.5m
- Kevin Durant, basketball: $101.4m
