Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to a ranking of the top 100 earners across global sports in 2025. The list features athletes from eight different sports and 28 countries, with football icon Ronaldo leading the standings by a significant margin.
The 40-year-old forward reaffirmed his commitment to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in June, dismissing retirement speculation by signing a lucrative two-year contract. Under the deal, Ronaldo reportedly earns an annual salary of around £178 million, in addition to a signing-on bonus estimated at £24.5 million, which could rise to £38 million should he activate the second year of the contract.
According to reports, Ronaldo’s earnings equate to approximately £488,000 per day, £3.42 million per week, and more than £20,000 per hour. He has also been offered additional benefits tied to a role as a “dream ambassador,” potentially pushing the total value of his two-year agreement beyond £492 million.
A report by Sportico estimates that Ronaldo earned £194 million in 2025 alone, comprising £149 million from salary and prize money and a further £45 million from endorsements. These figures place him comfortably at the top of the global earnings list.
Boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez ranks second. The former undisputed super middleweight champion signed a four-fight agreement with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh in February, reportedly worth around £240 million. In 2025, Álvarez earned an estimated £93 million from fights and £9 million through endorsements.
Lionel Messi occupies third place on the list. The Argentine star reportedly earns about £45 million in salary at Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, while his endorsement deals contribute an additional £52 million, bringing his total annual earnings to approximately £97 million.
Karim Benzema, now playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad, is the only other footballer to feature in the top 10. The former Ballon d’Or winner reportedly earned £86 million in 2025, including £82 million in salary and £4 million from endorsements.
NBA icon LeBron James ranks just behind New York Mets star Juan Soto in fifth place, with the Los Angeles Lakers forward earning an estimated £96 million during the year.
The report also highlighted a notable absence: no female athletes made the top 100. Tennis star Coco Gauff was identified as the highest-earning woman in 2025, having topped Forbes’ list of female athletes with earnings of $33 million (approximately £24.6 million).
The rankings underscore the growing financial influence of football and combat sports, as well as the increasing role of Saudi Arabia in reshaping the global sports economy.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment