Ronaldo tops Curry, Fury on Forbes’ highest-paid list

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped Forbes' list of highest-paid athletes again. This is his third consecutive year and fifth time overall. After joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, his earnings are around $275 million.

Ronaldo increased his income by $15 million from endorsements and sponsorships. He has 939 million social media followers as of May. However, he has not won any major trophies in the Saudi Pro League.

Stephen Curry, guard for the Golden State Warriors, is in second place with $156 million. He became the first NBA player to hit 4,000 career 3-pointers in March. Boxer Tyson Fury follows in third with $146 million. Despite losing titles to Oleksandr Usyk, Fury's income grew from tourism partnerships and a Netflix show.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott ranks fourth with $137 million. His earnings come from record-breaking bonuses and a contract extension. Lionel Messi dropped to fifth place with $135 million after moving to Inter Miami CF.

LeBron James is sixth with $133.8 million as he nears retirement. MLB outfielder Juan Soto earned $114 million and signed a historic contract worth $765 million over 15 years. Karim Benzema, playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is eighth with $104 million.

Shohei Ohtani ranks ninth with $102.5 million after deferring most earnings from his Dodgers contract. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns rounds out the top ten at $101.4 million.

World's 10 Highest-Paid Athletes (2025)
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (football): $275m (£206.6m)
2. Stephen Curry (basketball): $156m (£117.2m)
3. Tyson Fury (boxing): $146m (£109.7m)
4. Dak Prescott (American football): $137m (£103m)
5. Lionel Messi (football): $135m (£101.4m)
6. LeBron James (basketball): $133.8m (£105.5m)
7. Juan Soto (baseball): $114m (£85.7m)
8. Karim Benzema (football): $104m (£78.2m)
9. Shohei Ohtani (baseball): $102.5m (£77m)
10.Kevin Durant (basketball): $101.4m (£76.2m)

Source: ESPN