As it does every year, Forbes has released its annual report on the world’s highest-paid athletes. The 2025 list features Cristiano Ronaldo once again ahead of Lionel Messi among the global elite.
According to Forbes, Ronaldo is currently the top-earning athlete on the planet, bringing in an estimated $275 million. The all-time leading scorer in world soccer has now claimed the No. 1 spot for the third straight year, with his move to Saudi Arabia driving a massive surge in both salary and endorsement income.
Messi, meanwhile, ranks fifth overall with an estimated $135 million. Since his arrival in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, the Argentine superstar has fueled soaring revenues and franchise valuations, further boosting the league’s profile.
Only three athletes separate Messi from Ronaldo in the top five. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry holds second place with $156 million, followed by heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury at $146 million. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott ranks fourth with $137 million.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is currently the top-earning athlete on the planet, according to Forbes. (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Who rounds out the top 10?
At No. 6 is Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with an estimated $133.8 million in earnings. Seventh place belongs to New York Mets star Juan Soto. The Dominican slugger, a five-time Silver Slugger winner, brought in roughly $114 million and remains one of Major League Baseball’s brightest talents.
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Eighth is another soccer star and former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo: Karim Benzema. Now playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, the French striker earned about $104 million in 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani ranks ninth with $102.5 million. The 30-year-old Japanese star continues to be one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Closing out the top 10 is Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, who collected an estimated $101.4 million.
