Messi has slipped again from 4th to 5th on the Forbes rich-list as Ronaldo retained his crown for another year in a row.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again secured the top spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, marking his third consecutive year at the pinnacle and the fifth time in his illustrious career.
The 40-year-old Portuguese football icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, amassed an estimated $275 million over the past year, a figure that underscores his enduring appeal both on and off the pitch.
Ronaldo’s lucrative earnings are bolstered by his tenure with Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al Nassr, where he reportedly earns a staggering $200 million annually.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Ronaldo’s off-field income has surged, thanks in part to his massive social media following, which totals 1 billion across various platforms.
This digital presence has translated into significant endorsement deals with global brands, including Nike and Herbalife.
Despite his financial success, Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League has yet to yield major silverware, a stark contrast to his trophy-laden spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Speculation is rife about a potential exit from Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting that Ronaldo is considering options that could see him return to European football or explore opportunities elsewhere.
Messi’s earnings hold steady amid changing fortunes
In contrast, Lionel Messi has experienced a shift in his financial standing, dropping to fifth place on Forbes’ list with earnings of $135 million, mirroring his income from the previous year.
The Argentine maestro’s move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami has been financially rewarding, with substantial endorsements from Adidas and Apple contributing to his income.
Messi’s impact on American soccer has been profound, boosting ticket sales and elevating the profile of the MLS.
However, his earnings have been eclipsed by athletes in other sports, reflecting the shifting dynamics of global sports endorsements and salaries.
Stephen Curry ascends in the broader landscape of sports earnings
The 2025 Forbes list highlights the diverse avenues through which athletes accrue wealth.
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry ascended to second place with $156 million, buoyed by his historic achievement of becoming the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers.
NBA billionaire LeBron James and Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, joins Curry as the only other basketball players in top 10 list.
Boxing heavyweight Tyson Fury claimed third with $146 million, his income augmented by promotional deals and a Netflix reality series.
NFL quarterback Dak Prescott secured fourth place with $137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension.
The top ten list underscores the global nature of sports earnings, with athletes from football, basketball, boxing, and baseball all featuring prominently.
Notably, French striker Karim Benzema, now with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, earned $104 million, while MLB star Shohei Ohtani’s earnings reached $102.5 million, reflecting the lucrative opportunities available across various sports disciplines.
Top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world
Here’s the Forbes 2025 list of the world’s top 10 highest-paid athletes:
1, Cristiano Ronaldo (Football – Al Nassr) – $275 million
2, Stephen Curry (Basketball – Golden State Warriors) – $156 million
3, Tyson Fury (Boxing) – $146 million
4, Dak Prescott (American Football – Dallas Cowboys) – $137 million
5, Lionel Messi (Football – Inter Miami CF) – $135 million
6, LeBron James (Basketball – Los Angeles Lakers) – $133.8 million
7, Juan Soto (Baseball – New York Mets) – $114 million
8, Karim Benzema (Football – Al Ittihad) – $104 million
9, Shohei Ohtani (Baseball – Los Angeles Dodgers) – $102.5 million
10, Kevin Durant (Basketball – Phoenix Suns) – $101.4 million
Who is the highest-paid athlete in the world?
As of May 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid athlete in the world with his yearly earnings estimated at $275 million.
