Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athletes List for 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer, has secured the top spot on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the third year running. Meanwhile, American NBA player Stephen Curry has ascended to second place in the rankings.

Following his move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s earnings have surged, with his estimated income reaching approximately $275 million. The Al Nassr star’s income saw a $15 million boost through various off-field ventures, encompassing sponsorship agreements and a substantial social media following.

Curry, a guard for the Golden State Warriors, now holds the second position with earnings of $156 million. He is joined by fellow NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who also feature within the top 10.

British former boxer Tyson Fury has claimed third place with $146 million. Despite his recent defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury augmented his earnings through a Netflix reality TV show and a collaboration with Maltese tourism.

Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys is positioned fourth with $137 million, fueled by record-breaking signing bonuses and a lucrative contract extension.

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has descended to fifth place with $135 million. He joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023 and is also engaged in endorsement deals with Adidas and Apple.

LeBron James, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers nearing the end of his career, concludes the sixth spot with $133.8 million.

Forbes’ Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025:
  1. Cristiano Ronaldo, football: $275m
  2. Stephen Curry, basketball: $156m
  3. Tyson Fury, boxing: $146m
  4. Dak Prescott, American football: $137m
  5. Lionel Messi, football: $135m
  6. LeBron James, basketball: $133.8m
  7. Juan Soto, baseball: $114m
  8. Karim Benzema, football: $104m
  9. Shohei Ohtani, baseball: $102.5m
  10. Kevin Durant, basketball: $101.4m