Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes List
Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2025, earning a staggering $260 million. The Al Nassr star tops the Forbes list for a fifth time, leading a top five reshuffled by Saudi football and big-money boxing.
Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo leads with $260M ($200M salary, $60M endorsements).
- Canelo Alvarez jumps to 2nd ($150M), surpassing Lionel Messi ($135M).
- Kylian Mbappe ($125M) and LeBron James ($120M) complete the top five.
- The top 10 athletes collectively earned over $1.3 billion.
The Forbes 2025 Top Five Breakdown
At 40, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023 continues to deliver, with his on-field salary forming the bulk of his earnings. His $260 million total marks a clear lead.
In a significant shift, Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez surged to second place with $150 million, fueled by major fight purses like his bout against Edgar Berlanga. This pushed Lionel Messi to third.
Messi, now with Inter Miami in MLS, earned $135 million. While MLS salaries are lower than Europe or Saudi Arabia, his global endorsement portfolio remains robust.
French football phenom Kylian Mbappe, following his high-profile move to Real Madrid, sits fourth with $125 million. NBA icon LeBron James rounds out the elite group with $120 million.
What the List Reveals
The rankings underscore the massive financial pull of Saudi Arabian football and the premium value of global boxing spectacles. The collective earnings of the top 10—over $1.3 billion before taxes and fees—highlight the soaring commercial power of top-tier sports stars.
