Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes List of Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate financially, ranking No. 1 on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2025. This marks the third consecutive year and fifth time overall that the Portuguese icon has claimed the top spot.

Following his high-profile move to Saudi club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s total earnings soared to $275 million, boosted by $15 million in endorsements and powerful sponsorships driven by his 939 million social media followers—the largest of any athlete globally.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million

   • Club: Al-Nassr

   • Endorsements and global sponsorships lead the way, with unmatched digital influence.

2. Stephen Curry – $156 million

   • Club: Golden State Warriors

   • Became the first NBA player to hit 4,000 career 3-pointers, elevating his market value.

3. Tyson Fury – $146 million

   • Sport: Boxing

   • Despite losing to Usyk, his Netflix series and tourism partnerships added big bucks.

4. Dak Prescott – $137 million

   • Team: Dallas Cowboys

   • Benefited from record-setting signing bonuses and a lucrative contract renewal.

5. Lionel Messi – $135 million

   • Club: Inter Miami (MLS)

   • Maintains strong brand presence via Adidas and Apple sponsorships. His earnings remain steady year-over-year.

6. LeBron James – $133.8 million

   • Club: Los Angeles Lakers

   • Nearing retirement, but still among the top earners thanks to endorsements and investments.

7. Juan Soto – $114 million

   • Team: New York Mets

   • At just 26, Soto signed MLB’s largest contract ever: $765 million over 15 years.

8. Karim Benzema – $104 million

   • Club: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

   • Joins Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League and cashes in on mega-deals.

9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 million

   • Team: LA Dodgers

   • Deferred salary from a record MLB deal, but capitalized on a World Series win and sponsorship surge.

Ronaldo vs Messi: The Enduring Rivalry

Though Messi remains in the top five with $135 million, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia gave him a significant financial edge. The rivalry continues off the pitch, with both players securing massive sponsorships and retaining global brand appeal.

Conclusion

With lucrative contracts, massive endorsements, and global followings, today’s elite athletes are earning record-breaking sums. Ronaldo’s consistent presence at the top highlights the growing financial power of Middle Eastern football, while names like Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani show the explosive growth in U.S. sports.