Quick Read
- Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ 2025 highest-paid athletes list with $275M.
- Stephen Curry ranks second with $156M, setting an NBA earnings record.
- Lionel Messi drops to fifth place, earning $135M this year.
- The top 10 athletes collectively earned $1.4 billion in 2025.
- Saudi Arabia’s influence is notable, with four athletes tied to the kingdom.
Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes List
Forbes has revealed its highly anticipated list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2025, and once again, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the top spot. The Portuguese football legend, now 40 years old, earned an astounding $275 million over the past year, making it his third consecutive year at the top and the fifth time overall. His earnings include a massive $225 million from his playing salary at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and $50 million from endorsements and business ventures.
Stephen Curry and Tyson Fury Follow Ronaldo
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry secured the second spot with $156 million, setting a new record for NBA earnings. According to Forbes, Curry’s income includes $56 million from his on-court salary and $100 million from off-court ventures such as endorsements, investments, and media projects. His partnership with Under Armour and other business endeavors have solidified his position as a financial powerhouse in the sports world.
British boxer Tyson Fury ranked third with $146 million, despite a challenging year in the ring. Fury lost his heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in two high-profile matches but maintained strong earnings through his Netflix reality show and a tourism deal with Malta.
Lionel Messi Drops to Fifth Place
Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, who had previously dominated the list, fell to fifth place with $135 million in total earnings. Messi’s income includes $60 million from his playing salary at Inter Miami and $75 million from endorsements and sponsorships. His significant off-field earnings are bolstered by a lucrative deal promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination. However, his ranking reflects a notable gap from Ronaldo, his long-time rival.
Other Notable Names on the List
American football quarterback Dak Prescott claimed the fourth spot with $137 million, benefiting from a restructured contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Basketball legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant, along with baseball stars Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, also made the top 10. French footballer Karim Benzema, who now plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, rounded out the list with $104 million.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence
Saudi Arabia’s impact on the sports world is evident in this year’s rankings. Four of the top 10 athletes, including Ronaldo, Messi, Fury, and Benzema, have significant ties to the kingdom. Ronaldo’s record-breaking salary at Al Nassr and Messi’s sponsorship deal highlight the country’s growing role in shaping global sports economics.
Collectively, the top 10 athletes earned $1.4 billion in 2025, up from $1.38 billion last year. This marks the largest total since Forbes began tracking athlete earnings in 1990. The list underscores the evolving dynamics of sports income, with off-field ventures playing an increasingly significant role in athletes’ financial success.
As the sports industry continues to evolve, the financial achievements of these athletes reflect not only their talent but also their ability to capitalize on global opportunities and endorsements.
Source: Pulse, Forbes, Timesofindia, Onefootball