Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate not only on the pitch but also in earnings, securing the top spot on Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes list with a staggering $275 million in total income. This marks the third consecutive year that the Portuguese superstar has led the rankings, further cementing his financial supremacy in the sports world.
Ronaldo’s earnings come largely from his $225 million salary at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he has played since 2023. His off-field ventures, including lucrative sponsorship deals and business investments, contribute an additional $50 million, making him the highest-paid athlete globally.
Following closely behind is Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter, who set an NBA earnings record with $156 million in total income. Curry’s financial success is driven by his $56 million salary and an impressive $100 million from endorsements, appearances, and licensing deals. His ability to leverage his brand beyond basketball has made him one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
The top 10 list features a mix of sports icons, including Tyson Fury ($146M), Dak Prescott ($137M), Lionel Messi ($135M), LeBron James ($133.8M), Juan Soto ($114M), Karim Benzema ($104M), Shohei Ohtani ($102.5M), and Kevin Durant ($101.4M). Combined, these athletes amassed $1.4 billion in earnings over the past year, marking one of the highest totals in Forbes’ history.
Ronaldo’s continued dominance in earnings highlights the growing financial influence of Saudi Arabia in global sports, as his contract with Al-Nassr remains one of the most lucrative in football history. Meanwhile, Curry’s record-setting NBA earnings showcase the league’s expanding commercial reach and the power of individual branding.
