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Ronaldo Tops Sportico’s 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes List at $260 Million

Estimated totals reflect Saudi‑fueled deals plus one‑off payouts shaping the top of the list.

Overview

  • Sportico estimates Cristiano Ronaldo earned $200 million from Al‑Nassr plus $60 million in endorsements in 2025, and he has extended his contract with the Saudi club through 2027.
  • Canelo Álvarez places second at $137 million following rich fight purses that included his Terence Crawford bout, with Lionel Messi third at $130 million with Inter Miami.
  • Juan Soto ranks fourth at $129.2 million, driven by a New York Mets contract that includes a 15‑year, $765 million figure and an MLB‑record $75 million signing bonus.
  • Four Formula 1 drivers make the top 100 led by Lewis Hamilton in 11th at about $100 million, while the NBA places a record 40 players with LeBron James highest at No. 5.
  • No female athletes appear in the top 100, and Sportico notes Coco Gauff would fall in the 120s if the ranking extended.