Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the top spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. This marks the third consecutive year—and the fifth time overall—that the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar leads the prestigious ranking. Source: All except the website thapcamtv.
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$275 Million Year for Ronaldo
Following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s total earnings for the year have been estimated at $275 million, thanks to a lucrative contract and extensive endorsement deals. Despite the financial windfall, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to bring home a major trophy with his current club, though he previously lifted silverware with Manchester United, Juventus, and most notably Real Madrid.
NBA Legend Stephen Curry Climbs to Second
In second place is Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors guard who made NBA history in March by becoming the first player to hit 4,000 three-pointers. Curry raked in $156 million, driven by both his salary and major off-court endorsements.
Tyson Fury Rounds Out the Top Three
British boxing star Tyson Fury ranked third with $146 million, despite losing his heavyweight world title to Oleksandr Usyk in December. Fury’s earnings surged due to new endorsement deals, a tourism campaign with Malta, and his hit Netflix reality series.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World – 2025
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Football): $275 million
- Stephen Curry (Basketball): $156 million
- Tyson Fury (Boxing): $146 million
- Dak Prescott (American Football): $137 million
- Lionel Messi (Football): $135 million
- LeBron James (Basketball): $133.8 million
- Juan Soto (Baseball): $114 million
- Karim Benzema (Football): $104 million
- Shohei Ohtani (Baseball): $102.5 million
- Kevin Durant (Basketball): $101.4 million
Read more: Tin tức thể thao 2025
Notable Mentions
NFL quarterback Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys earned $137 million, landing him in fourth place, thanks in part to a record-breaking contract extension and signing bonus. Meanwhile, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi came in fifth with $135 million, maintaining his previous year’s income following his transfer to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
