Forbes Releases 2025 List of Highest-Paid Athletes
In a remarkable display of athletic excellence and financial prowess, Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete, as listed by Forbes. This marks the third year in a row for the Portuguese forward and the fifth time overall in his career.
Ronaldo’s Financial Success
After his recent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Ronaldo is estimated to have total earnings of approximately $275 million. This figure reflects a $15 million increase in income compared to the previous year, primarily derived from off-field endorsements and lucrative sponsorship deals leveraging his impressive social media following, which totals 939 million as of May.
Top Contenders
Ronaldo’s achievement is followed closely by Stephen Curry, guard for the Golden State Warriors, who surged to second place with an impressive $156 million in earnings. Curry made history in March by becoming the first NBA player to surpass 4,000 career three-pointers.
In third place, boxer Tyson Fury secured $146 million despite a setback in his boxing career. His income has been bolstered by promotional partnerships, which include initiatives aimed at promoting Maltese tourism, as well as his reality show on Netflix.
Fourth place is occupied by Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who reported earnings of $137 million thanks to unprecedented signing bonuses and a significant contract extension.
Argentinian football star Lionel Messi has dropped to fifth place, maintaining earnings of $135 million this year. Messi’s transition to MLS side Inter Miami CF has not diminished his endorsement contracts with global brands such as Adidas and Apple.
The Complete List of 2025’s Highest-Paid Athletes
Here’s a concise look at the top ten highest-paid athletes for 2025:
- 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football): $275 million (£206.6 million)
- 2. Stephen Curry (Basketball): $156 million (£117.2 million)
- 3. Tyson Fury (Boxing): $146 million (£109.7 million)
- 4. Dak Prescott (American Football): $137 million (£103 million)
- 5. Lionel Messi (Football): $135 million (£101.4 million)
- 6. LeBron James (Basketball): $133.8 million (£105.5 million)
- 7. Juan Soto (Baseball): $114 million (£85.7 million)
- 8. Karim Benzema (Football): $104 million (£78.2 million)
- 9. Shohei Ohtani (Baseball): $102.5 million (£77 million)
- 10. Kevin Durant (Basketball): $101.4 million (£76.2 million)
Conclusion
As seen from this year’s rankings, the financial landscape for athletes continues to evolve, with multi-sport talents leveraging their brand appeal to secure lucrative endorsements along with their athletic contracts. This array of high-earning athletes highlights not just their on-field successes but also their strategic moves off the field.
Information from Reuters was utilized in this report.