Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes, marking the third consecutive year—and fifth overall—that the Portuguese football icon has topped the list.
Ronaldo’s estimated total earnings have surged by $15 million, reaching $275 million (approx. £206.6 million).
Only Floyd Mayweather has ever earned more in a single year, with the American boxing legend pocketing $300 million in 2015 and equalling Ronaldo’s total in 2018.
The 40-year-old forward has significantly boosted his income since joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in late 2022.
While his playing contract is substantial, much of his earnings come from off-field ventures, including major endorsement deals and a vast social media following that now approaches 939 million.
NBA superstar Stephen Curry climbs to second place with $156 million (approx. £117.2 million).
The Golden State Warriors guard, who recently became the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 career three-pointers, saw a significant bump thanks to salary, endorsements, and investments.
British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury has risen to third, earning $146 million (approx. £109.7 million), despite losing his world titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December.
Fury’s income has been boosted by a Netflix reality series and his role as an ambassador for Maltese tourism.
Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longtime rival, slips to fifth with earnings of $135 million (approx. £101.4 million), falling behind Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who earned $137 million (approx. £103 million).
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World (2025)
(All figures in USD and approximate GBP)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) – $275m (£206.6m)
- Stephen Curry (Basketball) – $156m (£117.2m)
- Tyson Fury (Boxing) – $146m (£109.7m)
- Dak Prescott (American Football) – $137m (£103m)
- Lionel Messi (Football) – $135m (£101.4m)
- LeBron James (Basketball) – $133.8m (£105.5m)
- Juan Soto (Baseball) – $114m (£85.7m)
- Karim Benzema (Football) – $104m (£78.2m)
- Shohei Ohtani (Baseball) – $102.5m (£77m)
- Kevin Durant (Basketball) – $101.4m (£76.2m)
Ronaldo’s dominance in both football and commercial ventures continues to set him apart as one of the most bankable athletes in the world.
