Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list once again: Top 5 highest-paid athletes in 2025

In today’s multi-billion dollar global sports industry, elite athletes continue to earn staggering sums both on and off the field. From salary contracts to endorsements, investments, and media ventures, the world’s top performers are capitalizing on their influence like never before.

Forbes has officially released its list of the highest-paid athletes in 2025, and as expected, it features some of the most iconic names in the history of sports. Here’s a look at the top five. 

 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer) – $275 Million

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the pack, topping the Forbes list for a third consecutive year and fifth time overall. The Portuguese superstar earned a jaw-dropping $275 million before taxes and agent fees — $225 million from his on-field salary and $50 million from off-field ventures.

Ronaldo remains the most-followed athlete globally, with a combined 939 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, and X. He also launched a YouTube channel in August, which has already attracted 75 million subscribers. Beyond football, Ronaldo has invested in tech startups and recently partnered with filmmaker Matthew Vaughn to launch a film studio.

 2. Stephen Curry (Basketball) – $156 Million

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry comes in second with $156 million in total earnings for 2025. In August, Curry signed a one-year, $62.6 million extension with the Warriors, locking him in through the 2026–27 NBA season.

Off the court, the 37-year-old is set to receive $75 million in stock compensation through Under Armour’s Curry Brand, set to vest in 2029 and 2034. He earned $56 million in salary and $100 million through endorsements and business ventures in 2025.

3. Tyson Fury (Boxing) – $146 Million

Despite suffering a high-profile loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their WBC heavyweight title bout, Tyson Fury still managed to pull in $146 million this year. Of that total, a massive $140 million came from his boxing purse, with another $6 million from off-ring earnings.

Fury, 37, continues to grow his brand through his Netflix reality series “At Home With the Furys” and a tourism partnership with Malta, further contributing to his commercial value.

Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes in 2025 pic.twitter.com/eIp8oxhWLU

— Global Statistics (@Globalstats11) August 14, 2025

4. Dak Prescott (American Football) – $137 Million

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made NFL history in September by signing a $240 million contract extension, setting records for average annual salary ($60M), guaranteed money ($231M), and the largest signing bonus ever at $80 million.

Prescott earned $127 million on the field in 2025, with an additional $10 million from sponsorship deals with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Lowe’s. He’s also reportedly in talks with a Crunch Fitness franchisee to open gyms across Texas.

5. Lionel Messi (Soccer) – $135 Million

Rounding out the top five is Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time. The 37-year-old earned $60 million in salary and bonuses from his MLS club, while generating another $75 million off the pitch through deals with Adidas, his production company 525 Rosario, and other ventures.

Messi also entered the sports drink market with the launch of Mas+, though the brand is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Logan Paul’s Prime Hydration over design similarities.

Final Thoughts

From football legends to NBA superstars and heavyweight champions, 2025 has proven yet again that athletic success and commercial acumen go hand in hand. These five athletes have not only dominated in their respective sports but have also expanded their influence far beyond the game — building brands, launching ventures, and setting new financial benchmarks in global sports.