Cristiano Ronaldo Remains Highest-Paid Athlete in 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA — Cristiano Ronaldo has secured his spot as the highest-paid athlete in the world for the third consecutive year, according to Forbes. The Portuguese soccer star, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, earned an impressive $275 million in 2025, significantly outpacing his competition.

Ronaldo’s earnings this year include $225 million from his on-field performance and another $50 million from endorsements and sponsorship deals, reflecting his massive social media influence and popularity. “His brand is unparalleled, making him the dominant figure in sports earnings,” Forbes reported.

Following Ronaldo on the list is Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who earned $156 million, reaffirming his status as the second-highest paid athlete. Curry made history earlier this year as the first NBA player to hit 4,000 career three-pointers.

Boxer Tyson Fury ranks third with $146 million, despite facing setbacks in his boxing career. “His endorsements, particularly linked to his reality show, have kept his earnings flowing,” noted analysts.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and soccer legend Lionel Messi round out the top five, with earnings of $137 million and $135 million, respectively. Messi’s income remains stable, but he continues to trail behind Ronaldo, particularly in off-field earnings, where he generated $75 million this year.

Karim Benzema, who also plays in the Saudi Pro League, earned $104 million, making him the third soccer player in the top ten. However, he remains far behind Ronaldo’s staggering total.

While several footballers featured in Forbes’ annual list, only one player from the English Premier League, Erling Haaland, made the list, coming in at 34th with $62 million. The growing presence of players in the Saudi Pro League signifies a shift in the earning landscape of global soccer.

The overall earnings of elite athletes underscore a trend where commercial opportunities beyond the field are becoming increasingly lucrative. As Ronaldo continues to leverage his brand, he stands out in a crowded space of international sports.

Forbes noted that all athletes in the top ten earned over $100 million this year. The distribution of earnings across different sports continues to highlight the diverse avenues for monetization available in athletics today.