Cristiano Ronaldo doubles Lionel Messi’s earnings to top highest-paid athletes chart
Cristiano Ronaldo is now the highest-paid athlete in the world, doubling Lionel Messi’s earnings to take the top spot on the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes. The 41-year-old footballer, who returned to Manchester United in 2021 after a successful stint at Juventus, raked in a staggering $130 million in the last year, with $70 million coming from his salary and $60 million from endorsements, according to Forbes. This marks the first time Ronaldo has topped the list since 2016, when he was also named the world’s highest-paid athlete.
Ronaldo’s earnings include lucrative sponsorship deals with brands such as Nike, Herbalife, and Clear, as well as his own CR7 brand of clothing and accessories. The Portuguese star’s return to Manchester United has also seen a resurgence in merchandise sales and ticket revenue for the club, further boosting his income. Meanwhile, Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after a storied career at Barcelona, earned $64 million in the past year, with $30 million from his salary and $34 million from endorsements. Despite trailing Ronaldo in earnings, Messi remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again solidified his position as the highest-paid athlete in the world, doubling the earnings of his long-time rival Lionel Messi in 2025. The Portuguese forward, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, raked in an impressive $260 million in total earnings. The bulk of Ronaldo’s income, a staggering $200 million, came from his lucrative contract with Al-Nassr, while an additional $60 million was generated from endorsements and other business ventures.
Ronaldo’s global appeal and massive social media following, which has surpassed one billion followers, have played a significant role in boosting his off-field earnings and keeping him at the top of the athlete financial table for the third consecutive year. With football dominating the list of the highest-paid athletes, it comes as no surprise that Ronaldo, along with other football icons, continues to command top dollar both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, who ranked third on Sportico’s list with earnings of $130 million, secured a new contract extension with MLS Cup champions Inter Miami through 2028. Despite earning half of what Ronaldo made in 2025, Messi remains a formidable force in the world of football and is expected to continue making headlines for years to come.
In second place on the list of highest-paid athletes was boxing sensation Canelo Álvarez, further highlighting the diversity of sports represented in the top earners. Brazilian superstar Neymar, who recently returned to Santos and took a pay cut after parting ways with Al-Hilal, slipped to No. 30 on the list.
Looking ahead, both Ronaldo and Messi are poised to play pivotal roles in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, cementing their status as legends of the game. As the sporting world continues to evolve and new stars emerge, it is clear that Ronaldo and Messi’s unparalleled talent and commercial appeal will ensure they remain at the forefront of the highest-paid athletes for years to come.
