Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes Again

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the top spot on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most lucrative figures in the sports world. In an impressive display of competitiveness, NBA superstar Stephen Curry has ascended to the second position, illustrating the intense rivalry among athletes across various sports.

According to the business magazine, Ronaldo has significantly boosted his estimated earnings by $15 million this year, bringing his total income to an astonishing $275 million (approximately £206 million). This remarkable increase not only highlights Ronaldo’s enduring dominance on the field but also his exceptional talent for capitalizing on corporate partnerships and endorsement deals.

Ronaldo’s earnings have reached a level only surpassed by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who famously earned an eye-watering $300 million in 2015 (then equivalent to £194 million) and approximately $275 million in 2018 (then around £205 million). Mayweather’s remarkable financial achievements serve as a benchmark in the sports industry, reflective of the massive revenue generated from major boxing events.

At the age of 40, Ronaldo made a pivotal career decision by transferring to the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr in December 2022. This move not only elevated his salary but also unleashed new opportunities for revenue generation off the field. Ronaldo has skillfully secured numerous endorsement deals backed by his enormous social media following, which boasts an impressive 939 million followers. This substantial digital presence has made him a prime target for brands looking to maximize their outreach through influential figures.

In the realm of basketball, Stephen Curry continues to break barriers and reshape expectations in his sport. In March, he marked a historic milestone by becoming the first NBA player to achieve 4,000 career three-pointers, which stands as a testament to his unparalleled skills and relentless work ethic. With earnings totalling $156 million (approximately £117 million) this year, Curry has firmly established himself in the second position on the list, demonstrating the financial rewards that come with excellence in professional basketball.

Meanwhile, British boxer Tyson Fury has made significant strides by moving up to third place with earnings of $146 million (approximately £109 million). Despite facing challenges, such as losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk from Ukraine in December, Fury has found lucrative avenues to sustain his income. His earnings have been bolstered by a popular Netflix reality show and a partnership with Maltese tourism, illustrating how contemporary athletes can expand their brand and create diverse income streams beyond their primary sport.

In a stark contrast, Lionel Messi, who has long been regarded as Ronaldo’s fiercest competitor, has seen his ranking slip as he dropped from third to fifth place. This decline emphasizes the ever-changing landscape of sports earnings and the ongoing challenge athletes face in maintaining their financial standings amid fierce competition and shifting market dynamics. Each year, the fluctuation in rankings underscores the importance of adaptability and personal branding in today’s athletic world.

World’s top 10 highest paid athletes 2025

All £ figures are approx