Cristiano Ronaldo leads Forbes 2025 list of highest-paid athletes
Cristiano Ronaldo is at it again—on and off the pitch. The Portuguese soccer icon has been named the No. 1 earner on Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes in the world for 2025, bankrolling an eye-popping $275 million over the past year. That figure makes for the third-highest-earning annual amount of all time, for any active athlete, in Forbes' history and underscores the unmatched commercial power of Ronaldo even at 40.
A record-breaking year for Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's $275-million paycheck is a mix of his on-the-pitch salary and earnings off the pitch, thanks to endorsements and a variety of business ventures. Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr from his former club in the Italian side Juventus, now earns a greatly improved salary, said to top $200 million annually. But what truly distinguishes him is his off-field earnings, which include global sponsorship deals, personal brands, and many business ventures like CR7-branded hotels, fragrances, and gyms.
The competition wasn't even close
For context, the closest athlete on the list, basketball superstar LeBron James, earned $133.8 million this year, less than half of what Ronaldo banked. But despite growing his business interests with movies and buying a sports team, James' earnings still fall way short of Ronaldo's record-breaking jackpot.
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What is even more revealing is that he standard for entering the Forbes top 50 highest-paid athletes has never been shinier. In 2025, the bottom of the list was $53.6 million, a 19 percent increase from the $45.2 million posted in 2024. In 2017, that figure was $27.2 million. At the time, if an athlete's performance today would've plopped them at No. 6 overall.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo remains a global icon
One of the most eye-opening aspects of Cristiano Ronaldo's continued financial sway is just his age and how long he has been unstoppable. Most athletes see their earnings potential wane with age, but Ronaldo seems to be the exception to the rule. His transfer to Saudi Arabia not only prolonged his career but also expanded his reach and exposed him to new markets and audiences, thereby increasing his commercial value.
Cristiano Ronaldo's domination of Forbes' list for 2025 shows he is more than just a footballer; the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has become a commercial juggernaut whose brand and reach are only expanding into his twilight years.
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