The list of the 10 highest-paid athletes for 2025, published by Forbes at the end of May, includes some of the biggest names in the sports world, who have collectively earned $1.4 billion. The calculations include earnings from sporting activities as well as off-the-field income through commercial deals and various sponsorships.
At the top of the list for the third consecutive year—and the fifth time overall—is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has earned $275 million: $225 million from his massive contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and $50 million from other income sources such as his YouTube channel, paid partnerships on Instagram, and investments in companies like Whoop and Bioniq.
This marks the third-highest annual earnings ever recorded for an active athlete since Forbes began its tracking in 1990—only boxer Floyd Mayweather has made more in a single year, with $300 million in 2015 and $285 million in 2018.
Ronaldo earned $119 million more than Golden State Warriors
Ronaldo’s former teammate, Karim Benzema, is the other footballer on the list, coming in eighth with $104 million after joining Al Ittihad in the Middle East. The list also features NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant, with $133.8 million and $101.4 million respectively.
Baseball is represented by Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, both of whom surpassed the $100 million mark.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million
- Steph Curry – $156 million
- Tyson Fury – $146 million
- Dak Prescott – $137 million
- Lionel Messi – $135 million
- LeBron James – $133.8 million
- Juan Soto – $114 million
- Karim Benzema – $104 million
- Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 million
- Kevin Durant – $101.4 million
