Forward of Saudi club Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been recognized as the biggest financial figure in the sports world. According to Sportico, the 40-year-old Portuguese star has been named the world’s highest-earning athlete.
The report notes that Ronaldo’s annual salary amounts to €200 million. In addition, revenues from advertising, sponsorships and other commercial activities bring his total yearly income up to €260 million. In short, he scores goals on the pitch and, off the pitch, outperforms rivals as a “brand” as well.
Second in the ranking is the famous Mexican boxer Saul Alvarez He earned a total of €137 million in 2025: €125 million from salary and €12 million from advertising and commercial deals. It’s clear that in boxing the “punch” is strong not only in the ring, but in the numbers too.
Rounding out the top three is Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi The Argentine star’s annual income stands at €130 million: €60 million in salary and €70 million in advertising revenue. That means Messi’s commercial earnings are even larger than his salary.
Another big name also made the top ten among footballers — Al Ittihad forward Karim Benzema The French striker took sixth place overall with €115 million (including €110m salary and €5m advertising).
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is also on the list: he ranks 12th overall with €95 million (€70m salary and €25m advertising).
At first glance, these figures may seem like “just money.” In reality, this is the rule of modern sport: where results, media influence and a global brand come together, income grows accordingly. And Ronaldo is still at the very top — and has no intention of giving up that “peak” easily, just a fact.
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