Forbes 2025: Ronaldo leads with $275M; see top 10 richest athletes Por Thiago Lemos
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The 2025 sports season has unveiled staggering financial figures, showcasing the earning power of the world’s top athletes. Cristiano Ronaldo, a global football icon, has claimed the number one spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes, amassing $275 million. His income, a blend of his Al-Nassr salary and sponsorship deals, far surpasses his peers. The Forbes ranking highlights a diverse range of sports, with basketball, boxing, American football, and baseball prominently featured.
Stephen Curry, the NBA’s sharpshooting star, secured second place with $156 million, driven by his Golden State Warriors contract and brand partnerships. Tyson Fury, a towering figure in boxing, rounds out the podium with $146 million, fueled by high-profile fights. The list underscores not only athletic prowess but also the marketability of these global stars.
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- Football’s dominance: Ronaldo, Messi, and Benzema rank among the top 10.
- NBA’s strength: Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant represent basketball.
- Sport diversity: Boxing, American football, and baseball also shine.
Ronaldo’s reign at the top cements his status as a sporting and commercial juggernaut, blending on-field excellence with off-field influence.
Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. 🟡🔵
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) April 30, 2025
Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sLP6k4ihrH
Sources of massive earnings
The jaw-dropping sums in Forbes’ 2025 list stem from salaries, bonuses, and endorsements. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hefty paycheck from Al-Nassr, a Saudi club investing heavily in global talent, forms the backbone of his earnings. His deals with Nike, Binance, and Herbalife account for roughly 60% of his income. This diversified revenue model is a hallmark of top-tier athletes.
Stephen Curry’s income blends his Warriors contract with partnerships like Under Armour and tech firms. Tyson Fury cashes in on pay-per-view boxing matches, drawing millions of viewers. Other athletes, like LeBron James, bolster their wealth through ventures in media and entertainment.
- High salaries: Clubs and franchises pay premiums for elite talent.
- Global sponsorships: Brands target athletes with international appeal.
- Media events: Fights and exhibition games generate significant revenue.
- Side ventures: Investments in businesses amplify earnings.
This financial ecosystem reflects the evolution of sports into a multi-billion-dollar industry, where on-field success fuels lucrative opportunities.
Full list of 2025’s top 10 highest-paid athletes
Forbes’ 2025 ranking includes the following athletes and their earnings:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (football): $275 million, driven by Al-Nassr salary and sponsorships.
- Stephen Curry (basketball): $156 million, fueled by NBA contract and brand deals.
- Tyson Fury (boxing): $146 million, from marquee fights and endorsements.
- Dak Prescott (American football): $137 million, NFL star with major contracts.
- Lionel Messi (football): $135 million, Inter Miami salary plus sponsorships.
- LeBron James (basketball): $133.8 million, NBA earnings and media ventures.
- Juan Soto (baseball): $114 million, rising star with the New York Yankees.
- Karim Benzema (football): $104 million, powered by Saudi Pro League.
- Shohei Ohtani (baseball): $102.5 million, dual-threat for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Kevin Durant (basketball): $101.4 million, NBA salary and tech partnerships.
Inside The Record $4.2 Billion Haul By 2025’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes https://t.co/WnxoMHlF3T
— Forbes (@Forbes) May 15, 2025
Football’s global financial clout
Football commands a strong presence with three athletes in the top 10, reflecting its unmatched global reach. Cristiano Ronaldo’s $275 million leads by a wide margin, while Lionel Messi, fifth with $135 million, thrives with Inter Miami and deals with Adidas and Pepsi. Karim Benzema, earning $104 million with Al-Ittihad, underscores the Saudi Pro League’s financial muscle.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in football has reshaped the sport’s economics, with clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad offering salaries that rival Europe’s top leagues. Football’s massive viewership, spanning billions, continues to attract heavy investment from emerging markets.
NBA’s economic powerhouse
Basketball, represented by Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, highlights the NBA’s financial dominance. Curry’s $156 million reflects his on-court brilliance and off-court ventures, including his sneaker line. LeBron James, with $133.8 million, pairs his Los Angeles Lakers salary with media production. Durant, at $101.4 million, rounds out the list with Nike deals and tech investments.
The NBA’s billion-dollar revenue from TV rights, tickets, and merchandise supports these massive earnings. Players’ cultural influence, extending beyond sports, draws global brands, boosting their commercial value.
- NBA revenue: TV deals and merchandising generate billions annually.
- Cultural icons: Stars like Curry shape global trends.
- Strategic partnerships: Tech and apparel brands invest heavily.
Boxing’s lucrative spotlight
Tyson Fury, with $146 million, brings boxing to the forefront. His bouts against fighters like Oleksandr Usyk draw millions via pay-per-view and ticket sales. Endorsements with beverage brands and streaming platforms further pad his income. Fury’s larger-than-life persona amplifies his marketability.
Boxing, though less frequent in the rankings, remains a goldmine for its biggest names. High-stakes title fights and global broadcasts ensure that athletes like Fury reap substantial rewards.
American football’s financial might
Dak Prescott, earning $137 million, represents American football in fourth place. As quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, he benefits from a long-term NFL contract and deals with brands like Pepsi. The NFL’s dominance in the U.S., with over $10 billion in annual TV revenue, ensures its stars rank among the elite.
The league’s structure, with salary caps and collective bargaining, still allows players like Prescott to secure massive deals. His role with one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises elevates his earning potential.
Baseball’s rising stars
Baseball shines with Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani. Soto, at $114 million, is a standout for the New York Yankees, while Ohtani, with $102.5 million, dazzles for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s rare ability to pitch and hit makes him a global sensation, particularly in Japan and the U.S.
Baseball’s financial strength, especially in American and Asian markets, supports these earnings. Sponsorships from both regions fuel the income of players like Soto and Ohtani, who blend talent with broad appeal.
- Asian market: Ohtani draws Japanese and global brands.
- Young talent: Soto represents baseball’s next generation.
- MLB contracts: Franchises offer substantial salaries.
Digital influence of athletes
Social media plays a pivotal role in athletes’ earnings. Cristiano Ronaldo, with over 700 million Instagram followers, turns his digital presence into multimillion-dollar deals. Messi and LeBron James leverage their platforms to promote brands, while Curry engages fans with digital content.
This online visibility makes athletes prime targets for sponsors. Leagues like the NBA and Saudi Pro League encourage digital engagement, knowing it drives media and merchandise revenue.
Ronaldo’s enduring dominance
At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. His 933 career goals place him among football’s all-time greats. With Al-Nassr, he continues to draw crowds, while his ventures in hotels and clothing lines diversify his wealth. His ability to adapt to new leagues and markets keeps him at the pinnacle.
Other standout performers
Lionel Messi, with $135 million, has transformed the MLS with Inter Miami, attracting new sponsors and boosting soccer’s U.S. profile. Karim Benzema’s $104 million reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to elevate its league. LeBron James, beyond basketball, invests in Hollywood, while Kevin Durant explores tech ventures.
Forbes ranking evolution
Forbes’ annual list tracks shifts in the sports economy. In 2023, Conor McGregor led, driven by non-fighting ventures. In 2024, Ronaldo took the top spot, with golf gaining ground. The 2025 list, with boxing and baseball prominent, shows growing diversity in high-earning sports.
