In a world where athletic prowess is often matched by financial success, the latest Forbes list of the highest-paid athletes reveals a staggering trend in the sports industry. For the third consecutive year, and for an impressive fifth time overall, Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete. This Portuguese soccer superstar, now at the age of 40, has reached new financial zeniths that would make any fan of capitalism cheer. With an eye-popping estimated earnings of $275 million over the past 12 months, Cristiano’s bag of gold includes both his hefty salary from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and his extensive off-field ventures.
How does that stack up against history? Well, Ronaldo’s earnings mark the third-best year ever recorded for an active athlete, trailing only behind Floyd Mayweather’s record years of $300 million in 2015 and $285 million in 2018. Ronaldo isn’t just raking it in; he’s a standalone titan in a league of his own—boasting a staggering $119 million lead over the second-highest earner, Stephen Curry, who brought in $156 million. This marks a ground-breaking feat for Curry, as his earnings not only set a new record for basketball but also surpassed the previous mark held by LeBron James of $128.2 million, achieved just last year.
As the list unfolds, there are plenty more noteworthy paydays. Take Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who clocked in at number four with $137 million. He shattered the previous NFL earnings record, while at number six, basketball legend LeBron James celebrated his own victory with a personal high of $133.8 million. Meanwhile, Juan Soto, an outfielder for the New York Mets, showcased his value by amassing $114 million, breaking records in Major League Baseball as well. Collectively, the top ten highest-paid athletes bagged a remarkable $1.4 billion this year—an increase from last year’s $1.38 billion and the most substantial figure since the inception of Forbes’ tracking in 1990.
In this elite club, all athletes made at least $100 million, with some—like Stephen Curry and Shohei Ohtani—earning exclusively from off-field pursuits, each raking in an impressive $100 million from endorsements and appearances alone. While it’s rare for athletes to achieve such heights without a connection to Saudi Arabia, it’s noteworthy that both Curry and Ohtani are outliers in this bracket. The influence of Saudi Arabia on the sports world became apparent with four athletes in the top ten possessing strong ties to the kingdom. Tyson Fury, who secured a remarkable $146 million at number three, earned his paycheck during fights held in Riyadh, while Lionel Messi, batting at number five with $135 million, boosts his income through a lavish sponsorship deal to promote Saudi Arabia as a travel destination.
Rounding out this financial elite circle is Kevin Durant, bringing in $11.4 million to land himself at the tenth spot. Ronaldo, whose contract with Al-Nassr is rumored to be up this summer, may just be kicking around the idea of either extending his deal or angling for something even more lucrative elsewhere. What’s truly fascinating is how the earnings of these superstars have evolved over the years. When Ronaldo first topped the Forbes list in 2016 with $88 million, no one could have predicted how far he’d climb—an increase that would make even the most ambitious business magnate blush.
In conclusion, the top ten paid athletes of 2025 truly illustrate how big money intersects with the world of sports. As the earnings of these elite athletes continue to rise, one can’t help but wonder what the future holds for sports salaries. With Ronaldo setting the bar incredibly high, there may very well be a new gold standard in athlete earnings. For fans and financial analysts alike, the sports world is becoming a veritable treasure chest, and the race for riches is only just beginning!
