Ronaldo’s $275m tops list of sport’s richest

Forbes announced its annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2025 and Cristiano Ronaldo tops the lot, with Stephen Curry second and Tyson Fury third.

Forbes‘ annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes showcases the titans who have conquered their sports and captivated global audiences, their earnings soaring from record-breaking performances, lucrative endorsements and savvy business ventures.

This year’s ranking is a testament to the diverse landscape of global sports. Familiar faces continue to dominate, their established legacies attracting massive sponsorship deals and commanding top salaries. The reigning champions of basketball, football (both American and global), and more highlights their on-field or on-court brilliance directly fuelling their off-field earnings. Leading the pack is Ronaldo at $275 million, making $225m on-field and $50m off. Then it is the world’s greatest shooter, Curry with $156m ($56m on-field, $100m off-field). The Golden State Warriors guard became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career 3-pointers back in March. In third is British heavyweight boxer Fury with $146m.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million

2. Stephen Curry – $156m

3. Tyson Fury – $146m

4. Dak Prescott – $137m

5. Lionel Messi – $137m

6. LeBron James – $133.8m

7. Juan Soto – $114m

8. Karim Benzema – $104m

9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5m

10. Kevin Durant – $101.4m