By The Sampadak Express
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the top spot as the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to Forbes’ annual ranking released on Thursday. The Portuguese football superstar, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, earned a staggering USD 275 million over the past year.
Forbes tracked earnings between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, revealing that the top 50 highest-paid athletes collectively brought in a record-breaking USD 4.23 billion. This figure surpasses last year’s all-time high of USD 3.88 billion, underlining the continued commercial growth of global sports.
Hot on Ronaldo’s heels is NBA star Stephen Curry, who raked in USD 156 million. Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury rounds out the top three with USD 146 million in earnings.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi ranks fifth with USD 135 million, behind NFL quarterback Dak Prescott, who earned USD 137 million. The rest of the top 10 features a mix of basketball, baseball, and football stars, including LeBron James, Juan Soto, Karim Benzema, Shohei Ohtani, and Kevin Durant.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes (2025 Forbes List):
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) – USD 275 million
2. Stephen Curry (Basketball) – USD 156 million
3. Tyson Fury (Boxing) – USD 146 million
4. Dak Prescott (NFL) – USD 137 million
5. Lionel Messi (Football) – USD 135 million
6. LeBron James (Basketball) – USD 133.8 million
7. Juan Soto (Baseball) – USD 114 million
8. Karim Benzema (Football) – USD 104 million
9. Shohei Ohtani (Baseball) – USD 102.5 million
10. Kevin Durant (Basketball) – USD 101.4 million
Notably, no female athletes made this year’s top 50. American tennis star Coco Gauff came closest but fell short by USD 19.2 million. Additionally, no Indian athlete featured in the rankings this year.
Forbes’ list highlights the growing financial clout of global sports, with star athletes increasingly benefiting from lucrative contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
