Cristiano Ronaldo leads the pack with $275 million in earnings.
From record-breaking contracts to booming brand deals, these stars are cashing in on and off the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again. At 40, the football icon shows no signs of slowing down—not on the pitch and certainly not in his bank account. Forbes just released its annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2025, and Ronaldo claims the top spot for the third year in a row and the fifth time in his career. With an eye-watering $275 million in earnings over the past 12 months, he not only leads the pack but leaves the competition in the dust.
A big chunk of Ronaldo’s income—$225 million—comes from his on-field contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The rest, a hefty $50 million, stems from endorsement deals, social media influence, and an ever-growing business empire. From fashion lines to CR7-branded fitness centers and hotels, Ronaldo proves he’s as sharp off the field as he is on it.
Trailing behind is NBA sharpshooter Stephen Curry, who brought in a total of $156 million. While $56 million came from his contract with the Golden State Warriors, the real story is the $100 million he earned off-court. That includes endorsement deals, production projects, and lucrative partnerships through his brand SC30 Inc. Curry’s also been making history, becoming the first NBA player to sink 4,000 career 3-pointers back in March.
In third place sits boxing heavyweight Tyson Fury, pulling in $146 million. Though he lost both of his high-profile pay-per-view fights to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury still made serious money from the events. Known for his outspoken persona and massive fan following, Fury has become a marketing machine in and out of the ring.
The rest of the top ten is a showcase of international talent and diverse sports. NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and Argentine football legend Lionel Messi are tied with $137 million each. LeBron James, the king of consistency in both basketball and brand-building, lands at sixth with $133.8 million. Baseball’s rising star Juan Soto makes a surprising entrance at number seven with $114 million, followed by Karim Benzema ($104 million), Shohei Ohtani ($102.5 million), and Kevin Durant ($101.4 million).
What stands out in this year’s ranking is the growing influence of off-field income. For many of these athletes, the game is only part of the story. Brand partnerships, media ventures, product lines, and social media clout are becoming essential to building a financial empire. With followers in the hundreds of millions, athletes like Ronaldo, Curry, and LeBron aren’t just sports stars—they’re global influencers and CEOs.
Another takeaway? Age is just a number. Ronaldo and LeBron are both deep into their careers yet continue to dominate financially. They’ve built brands that transcend their sports, appealing to fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Here’s a look at the full top ten:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – $275M
- Stephen Curry – $156M
- Tyson Fury – $146M
- Dak Prescott – $137M
- Lionel Messi – $137M
- LeBron James – $133.8M
- Juan Soto – $114M
- Karim Benzema – $104M
- Shohei Ohtani – $102.5M
- Kevin Durant – $101.4M
Ronaldo’s dominance at the top is a clear message: the modern athlete isn’t just about trophies and stats—they’re savvy, strategic, and built for business. Whether on the field, in the ring, or behind a brand, today’s elite athletes know how to win in every arena.
