Abstract
- Forbes introduced its annual record of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2025
- Cristiano Ronaldo sits on the prime of the record with $275 million USD, with Stephen Curry coming in second, Tyson Fury in at third and extra
- The athletes within the record come from numerous backgrounds together with the NBA, NFL, MLB, boxing and extra
Forbes‘ annual record of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2025 showcases the titans who’ve conquered their sports activities and captivated world audiences, their earnings hovering from record-breaking performances, profitable endorsements and savvy enterprise ventures.
This yr’s rating is a testomony to the various panorama of worldwide sports activities. Acquainted faces proceed to dominate, their established legacies attracting huge sponsorship offers and commanding prime salaries. The reigning champions of basketball, soccer (each American and world), and extra highlights their on-field or on-court brilliance straight fueling their off-field earnings. Main the pack is Cristiano Ronaldo at $275 million USD, making $225 million USD on-field and $50 million USD off. Coming behind Ronaldo is the best shooter on the planet, Stephen Curry with $156 million USD ($56 million USD on-field, $100 million USD off-field). The Golden State Warriors guard turned the primary NBA participant to achieve 4,000 profession 3-pointers again in March. In third is UK’s Tyson Fury representing the boxing world with $146 million USD. Others after Fury embrace NFL’s Dak Prescott, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Juan Soto, Karim Benzema, Shohei Ohtani and Kevin Durant. The highest 10 displaying span throughout the NBA, NFL, MLB, Boxing, MLS and extra. Notably, the highest 10 doesn’t embrace any girls, demonstrating that there’s nonetheless rather a lot to be achieved in pay equality in girls’s sports activities.
The 2025 record additionally highlights the rising affect of rising sports activities and the facility of particular person model constructing. These athletes have cultivated huge social media followings, launched profitable companies, and strategically partnered with world manufacturers, demonstrating that athletic prowess is only one piece of the monetary pie. This record affords an enchanting glimpse into the intersection of sports activities, movie star, and large enterprise, showcasing the people who’ve actually hit the jackpot on the planet of athletics.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 Million USD
2. Stephen Curry – $156 Million USD
3. Tyson Fury – $146 Million USD
4. Dak Prescott – $137 Million USD
5. Lionel Messi – $137 Million USD
6. LeBron James – $133.8 Million USD
7. Juan Soto – $114 Million USD
8. Karim Benzema – $104 Million USD
9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 Million USD
10. Kevin Durant – $101.4 Million USD
