Cristiano Ronaldo rules the rich list again, earning double Lionel Messi in 2025

Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t just top the rich list — he blew the competition away. At 40, the Portuguese icon pocketed $275 million in a single year, leading a pack of 10 superstar athletes who together banked a staggering $1.4 billion according to the Forbes' World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes 2025 list.

For the third straight year — and fifth time overall — Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete. His total, which includes his Al Nassr salary and off-field ventures, is the third-highest ever recorded for an active athlete, behind only Floyd Mayweather’s $300 million (2015) and $285 million (2018).

Ronaldo’s earnings put him $119 million ahead of No 2, NBA star Stephen Curry ($156 million), who set a new record for his sport. Ronaldo also more than doubled Lionel Messi’s total of $135 million.

The list is stacked with big names and bigger numbers. LeBron James landed sixth with a personal best $133.8 million. NFL quarterback Dak Prescott pulled in $137 million, while MLB’s Juan Soto earned $114 million.

This year marks only the second time Forbes’ top 10 features all $100 million-plus earners. Even heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk ($101 million) and golfer Jon Rahm ($100 million) missed the cut.

The list follows:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $275 million

Still setting records at 40, Ronaldo earns an estimated $225 million annually on the pitch at Al Nassr. Off it, he’s busier than ever—with investments in tech and supplements, a YouTube channel boasting 75 million subscribers, and even a film studio venture with Kingsman director Matthew Vaughn. This year’s total puts his 2016 earnings of $88 million firmly in the past.

2. Stephen Curry — $156 million

Curry extended his Under Armour deal in 2023, locking in long-term sneaker money and a $75 million stock package. Off the court, the 37-year-old launched a hydration brand with Michelle Obama, invested in women’s basketball, and signed a $62.6 million contract extension with the Warriors. He also starred in a now-cancelled Peacock comedy and produced a documentary through his Unanimous Media company.

3. Tyson Fury — $145 million

Despite back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk and another retirement announcement, Fury (36) still cashed in big. The Gypsy King promoted tourism in Malta, trained there for his rematch, and starred in Netflix’s At Home With the Furys. Season two hasn’t been confirmed, but cameras were rolling last year.

4. Dak Prescott — $137 million

Prescott cashed in big with a $240 million extension that included an $80 million signing bonus — the largest in NFL history. Then came a March restructure: $45.75 million of 2025 salary converted into a bonus, putting two years’ worth of pay into one earnings window. Add deals with Jordan Brand, Dick’s and Lowe’s, plus a gym franchise in Texas, and the 31-year-old Cowboys QB is laughing all the way to the bank.

5. Lionel Messi — $135 million

Messi’s arrival transformed Inter Miami — and MLS itself. But the 37-year-old's contract ends this year, and while an extension is in the works, his next move could reshape the league again. Off the pitch, he’s still a marketing machine: Adidas deals, a Bad Bunny shoe collab, his own sports drink brand (Mas+), and even a sci-fi cartoon based on his childhood.

6. LeBron James — $133.8 million

At 40, LeBron’s pondering retirement after a first-round exit with the Lakers. But business is booming: he’s a billionaire co-owner of SpringHill, a Ken doll in his image is hitting shelves, and he’s invested in everything from tequila to PSG. A media expansion and Netflix series keep his brand hot, even as his future on court cools.

7. Juan Soto — $114 million

The 26-year-old Soto’s $765 million megadeal with the Mets set a new record, eclipsing even Ohtani’s contract. The five-time Silver Slugger has fans lining up — literally — with ticket sales spiking the moment he signed. The “Soto Shuffle” is now New York’s most expensive show.

8. Karim Benzema — $104 million

After joining Saudi side Al Ittihad on a massive deal, the 37-year-old may already be eyeing an exit — reportedly considering an MLS move before the 2026 World Cup. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner keeps a low profile off the pitch, partnering with Adidas and voicing his preference for Madrid’s calm.

9. Shohei Ohtani — $102.5 million

The 30-year-old Japanese superstar deferred almost all of his $700 million Dodgers deal — but a World Series run added $477,000 and a championship ring to his haul. With 50 homers and 50 steals in one season, plus $1 million trading cards and global sponsors like New Balance and Seiko, Ohtani’s value goes far beyond the batter’s box.

10. Kevin Durant — $101.4 million

The Suns flamed out, but the 36-year-old scored elsewhere — becoming the eighth NBA player to hit 30,000 points and leading Team USA to Olympic gold. He’s also invested in PSG, launched a Boardroom membership model, and will star in a Netflix docuseries. One season remains on his $54.7 million deal, but trade rumours are heating up.