Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed his position atop the Forbes 2025 Highest-Paid Athletes ranking, marking his fifth time leading this prestigious list.
The Al-Nassr forward’s combined earnings reached an impressive $275 million over the past year, with $225 million derived from his soccer salary and $50 million from endorsements and business ventures off the pitch.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has experienced a slight decline in the rankings, dropping from third place last year to fifth on the 2025 list. The Inter Miami star and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner generated $135 million in total earnings—$60 million from his MLS contract and $75 million through various endorsement deals and commercial partnerships.
Notable movement in this year’s rankings includes the absence of French star Kylian Mbappé from the top 10, despite placing sixth in 2024. This significant drop can be attributed to the substantial salary reduction he accepted upon transferring from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. In contrast, French striker Karim Benzema maintained his position in eighth place with total earnings of $104 million.
Industry analysts are watching closely as potential changes loom on the horizon for both top earners. Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr remains uncertain amid speculation about a possible departure this summer, while Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is approaching its conclusion. These developments could significantly impact their positions in the 2026 Forbes rankings.
The annual Forbes list continues to serve as the definitive measure of financial achievement in professional sports, reflecting both on-field compensation and commercial success beyond competition.
