Ronaldo tops Forbes' rich list for third year with $275m haul
Ronaldo boosted income by $15m through endorsements and sponsorships, helped by social media following of 939m
May 16, 2025
Poland's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world’s highest-paid athlete for the third year in a row and the fifth time in his career.
He earned a massive $275 million over the past year, thanks to his football salary and big-money deals off the pitch.
Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's estimated total earnings are around $275 million.
The Portuguese forward increased his income by $15 million through off-field endorsements as well as lucrative sponsorship deals backed by his large social media following: 939 million in total as of May.
Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who in March became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers, jumped to second place in the rankings with $156 million.
Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with $135 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury's income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reached fourth with $137 million, thanks to record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension.
Meanwhile, Argentine Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with $135 million — the same as last year — having moved to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, as well as continuing to receive high-profile endorsements from Adidas and Apple.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, nearing the end of his illustrious career, came sixth with $133.8 million.
MLB New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto came in at a remarkable seventh place, earning $114 million. The 26-year-old Dominican signed a $765 million, 15-year contract — the largest in baseball history.
French striker Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad, is eighth with earnings of $104 million.
Japanese Shohei Ohtani is in ninth place with $102.5 million, having deferred most of his earnings from his mega-contract with MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers. His earnings were boosted significantly by their World Series victory last year.
NBA Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant rounds off the top 10 with $101.4 million.
