Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes: Ronaldo Reigns Supreme Again
In a world where sports and business intersect more than ever, the financial prowess of athletes is as much a part of the conversation as their on-field performances. This year, Forbes has once again unveiled its list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, and topping the chart is none other than the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. For the third consecutive year and the fifth time in his illustrious career, Ronaldo has claimed the top spot, showcasing his enduring appeal and marketability.
Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has certainly paid off financially, with his estimated total earnings reaching a staggering $275 million. This impressive figure is bolstered by a $15 million increase in off-field endorsements and sponsorship deals, thanks in large part to his massive social media following, which totals 939 million as of May. However, despite this financial success, Ronaldo’s time in the Saudi Pro League has yet to yield a major trophy, a stark contrast to his trophy-laden stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Hot on Ronaldo’s heels is Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who has climbed to second place with earnings of $156 million. Curry, who made history in March by becoming the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career 3-pointers, continues to be a dominant force both on and off the court.
In third place, we find boxer Tyson Fury, with $146 million in earnings. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury’s income has been significantly boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his popular Netflix reality show.
Fourth on the list is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who has amassed $137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension. Meanwhile, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi rounds out the top five with $135 million. Despite dropping to fifth place, Messi’s earnings remain unchanged from last year, bolstered by his move to MLS side Inter Miami CF and high-profile endorsements from Adidas and Apple.
As we continue down the list, we find Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in sixth place with $133.8 million. James, nearing the twilight of his career, remains a formidable presence both on the court and in the business world.
Seventh place is occupied by MLB New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto, who has earned $114 million. The 26-year-old Dominican sensation signed a $765 million, 15-year contract, marking the largest in baseball history.
In eighth place, we have France striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, with earnings of $104 million. Baseball star Shohei Ohtani follows in ninth place with $102.5 million, having deferred most of his earnings from his mega-contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings were significantly boosted by the Dodgers’ World Series victory last year.
Rounding out the top ten is NBA star Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, with $101.4 million.
World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2025
- 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)
Information from Reuters was used in this story.
Originally Written by: ESPN News Services
