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Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes' 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes List with $275 Million

For the third consecutive year, Ronaldo leads the rankings, as overall athlete earnings see a 19% rise and multi-sport representation grows.

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Overview

  • Cristiano Ronaldo secures the top spot on Forbes' 2025 list with $275 million in earnings, driven by his Al Nassr salary and extensive sponsorship deals.
  • Stephen Curry ranks second with $156 million, followed by boxer Tyson Fury in third with $146 million, showcasing diverse representation across sports.
  • Formula 1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen debut in the top 25, earning $80 million and $72 million respectively, highlighting motorsport's growing financial influence.
  • The earnings threshold for the top 50 athletes rose by 19% year-over-year, reflecting the continued surge in sports salaries and endorsement revenues.
  • Football remains dominant with eight players in the top 50, including Lionel Messi in fifth place with $135 million and Karim Benzema in eighth with $104 million.