Cristiano Ronaldo consolidated its position at the top of the global sports earnings ranking in 2026, accumulating approximately US$300 million in the last 12 months. The value represents an increase of US$ 25 million compared to 2025 and equals the historical record of Floyd Mayweather Jr, registered in 2015. The figure places the Portuguese striker of Al-Nassr ahead of other international names in the sport, including Canelo Álvarez, Lionel Messi and LeBron James.
Ronaldo’s sum is made up of US$235 million derived from his contract with Al-Nassr and US$65 million from sponsorships, public appearances, licensing and other commercial ventures. Aos 41 years old, the Portuguese won his fourth consecutive title and sixth overall since Forbes began tracking this data in 1990. Ele equals Michael Jordan in six trips to first place and is only behind Tiger Woods, who led 11 times.
Recorde history and top 10 growth
The ten highest-paid athletes in the world collectively pocketed US$1.4 billion in the last 12 months. Este total represents a slight increase from 2025 and more than double the $635 million recorded in 2016, when Ronaldo took first place for the first time with $88 million. Cada, one of the ten members of the top list, surpassed the US$100 million mark for the third year in a row — a trend that reflects the increasing concentration of financial resources in global sports.
Entre the news, Lewis Hamilton set a record for Fórmula 1 with approximately US$ 100 million. The British driver surpassed his previous mark of US$82 million, achieved in 2021 by Mercedes. Shohei Ohtani, from Los Angeles Dodgers, earned US$127.6 million, retaking the MLB lead. Boxer Canelo Álvarez recorded $170 million, reflecting his mega-contract with Saudi investors.
Investimentos in commercial income outside the fields
Commercial revenue for the top ten athletes reached $513 million, surpassing the previous record of $512 million set in 2021. Shohei Ohtani stands out in this segment, generating approximately $125 million off the field — the highest individual commercial revenue among active athletes. Ele surpassed the historic mark achieved only by Conor McGregor in 2021, which reached US$158 million, mainly through the sale of his Irish whiskey brand.
Athletes seek to diversify their sources of income through multiple strategies:
- Patrocínios international corporate with Western technology, fashion and food brands
- Parcerias with local companies in their home countries
- Acordos Licensing Memorabilia and Personal Brand Products
- Documentários and streaming series on platforms like Netflix
- Investimentos real estate and equity interests in investment funds
Influência from Arábia Saudita and geographic changes
The flow of Saudi investment remains a central factor in the composition of the ranking. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema — ranked eighth with $104 million — receive substantial salaries from Liga Profissional Saudita. Jon Rahm, seventh place with US$ 107 million, integrates this dynamic through the LIV Golf, financed by Arábia Saudita.
Ronaldo’s on-pitch earnings have more than tripled since his transfer to Al-Nassr in 2023, when he left English Premier League. Contudo, Fundo of Investimento Público of Arábia Saudita announced in April that it would cease funding LIV after the current season as part of broader budget reductions. Ainda thus, Oriente Médio’s financial flow does not disappear completely, with athletes like Lionel Messi acting as an ambassador for Saudi tourism.
Perfil age and top 10 trends
The average age of the ten highest paid athletes reached 37 years old — the highest ever recorded by Forbes in the history of the ranking. Quatro athletes, including Ronaldo, Hamilton, and James, are in their 41s. Apenas Shohei Ohtani and Jon Rahm are 31 years old. Esta’s composition contrasts with the full ranking of the 50 highest-paid athletes, whose average has dropped to 30 years old, with more than half in their 20s.
The concentration of veteran athletes reflects their ability to maintain commercial and salary power even at advanced stages of their career. Nomes consolidated as Messi (38 years) and Benzema (38 years) continue to attract significant corporate investments despite their age.
Composição completes the top 10
- 1st. Cristiano Ronaldo (Futebol)— US$300 million
- 2nd. Canelo Álvarez (Boxe)— US$170 million
- 3rd. Lionel Messi (Futebol)— US$140 million
- 4th. LeBron James (Basquete)— US$137.8 million
- 5th. Shohei Ohtani (Beisebol)— US$127.6 million
- 6th. Stephen Curry (Basquete)— US$124.7 million
- 7th. Jon Rahm (Golfe)— US$107 million
- 8th. Karim Benzema (Futebol)— US$104 million
- 9th. Kevin Durant (Basquete)— US$103.8 million
- 10th. Lewis Hamilton (Automobilismo)— US$100 million
Combined income generation on the field among the ten athletes totaled US$902 million — a 2% drop compared to US$920 million in 2025 — reflecting variations in salaries and contractual bonuses for each competition.