Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes‘ list of ‘The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes’ in 2025.

Ronaldo, 38, signed a massive contract with the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in January, which is reported to include an annual salary estimated to be worth $75 million and generate additional marketing opportunities. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is reported to have a net worth of $136 million, which includes $46 million on-field and $90 million off-field, according to the website.

Fellow soccer stars Lionel Messi ($130 million) and Kylian Mbappé($120 million), both of whom are currently signed to Paris Saint-Germain of France’s Ligue 1, were also included in the top 3. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was the highest-ranked American at No. 4 overall with an estimated $119.5 million earned in 2022.

Forbes‘ full list of ‘The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes’ in 2025 is included below:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, soccer)- $136 million
2. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain, soccer)- $130 million
3. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, soccer)- $120 million
4. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers, basketball)- $119.5 million
5. Canelo Álvarez (Boxing)- $110 million
6. Dustin Johnson (LIV Golf)- $107 million
7. Phil Mickelson (LIV Golf)- $106 million
8. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors, basketball)- $100.4 million
9. Roger Federer (Tennis)- $95.1 million
10. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns, basketball)- $89.1 million.