Ronaldo is at the top again: Forbes announced the highest-paid athletes of 2025

Forbes, one of the world's most influential financial publications, has released its ranking of the highest-paid athletes in 2025. According to it, the highest-paid athlete of the year was Cristiano Ronaldo, the forward of the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

The Portuguese star earned a total of $275 million in a year, leaving all his competitors behind. Ronaldo earned this amount mainly from his salary at the club and commercial contracts.

TOP 5 highest-earning athletes (2025)

- Cristiano Ronaldo (football) – $275 million
- Stephen Curry (basketball) – $156 million
- Tyson Fury (boxing) – $146 million
- Dak Prescott (American football) – $137 million
- Lionel Messi (football) – $135 million

Messi is also on top, but as a second player

Lionel Messi, who has been playing in the MLS in recent years, also has a strong place on the list. The Argentine star earned $135 million during the year. The bulk of this amount comes from advertising and brand income in addition to his football career.

The United States has a clear advantage

Looking at the TOP 5, it can be seen that all athletes, except for Ronaldo and Messi, are stars who work in America. Stars in basketball, boxing and the NFL (American football) are also contributing to the financial rise of their sports.

Zamin.uz editorial staff regularly covers news on economic trends in the global sports market and star incomes. Which athlete should be on this list for you? Leave your opinion in the comments.

News