Cristiano Ronaldo, the World's Highest-Paid Athlete in 2025

Forbes magazine has released its list of the world's highest-paid athletes in 2025.

Cristiano Ronaldo is listed as the highest-paid athlete globally. The Al-Nassr captain earned US$275 million. Ronaldo has held this title for three consecutive years.

Beyond the field, Ronaldo is also active off the field. He is reportedly establishing a film studio with Matthew Vaughn, writer and director of Kingsman.

"Over the past year, the Al-Nassr striker has added investments in wearable tech company Whoop, porcelain manufacturer Vista Alegre and supplement brand Bioniq," wrote Forbes in its report, The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2025.

Second place went to basketball player Stephen Curry, who earned US$156 million.

This income largely comes from off-field activities. In 2023, Curry extended his contract as a brand ambassador for Under Armour, continuing until the end of his playing career.

"It came with a major step-up in his pay—without even taking into account the $75 million in stock compensation he is set to receive, vesting in 2029 and 2034," wrote Forbes.

Here is the complete list of the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2025, according to Forbes:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (football): US$275 million

2. Stephen Curry (basketball): US$156 million

3. Tyson Fury (boxing): US$146 million

4. Dak Prescott (football): US$137 million

5. Lionel Messi (football): US$135 million

6. LeBron James (basketball): US$133.8 million

7. Juan Soto (baseball): US$114 million

8. Karim Benzema (football): US$104 million

9. Shohei Ohtani (baseball): US$102.5 million

10. Kevin Durant (basketball): US$101.4 million

Overall, the 10 highest-paid athletes generated US$1.4 billion, slightly higher than last year's US$1.38 billion.

"This year is also only the second time, after 2024, that every member of the top 10 made at least $100 million," wrote Forbes.