Cristiano Ronaldo continues to reign supreme in the world of sports earnings, securing the top spot on Forbes’ annual highest-paid athletes list for the third consecutive year.
The Portuguese football icon amassed an impressive $275 million (approx. £206.6 million) over the past year, fueled by his lucrative contract with Saudi club Al Nassr and a host of high-profile endorsement deals.
Ronaldo, now 40, has become a global commercial powerhouse, with off-field income soaring thanks to his unmatched social media reach of 939 million followers, making him the most-followed athlete in the world. His marketability has significantly contributed to his consistent lead on the earnings chart.
Hot on his heels is NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who earned $156 million (approx. £117.2 million), bolstered by his record-breaking performances on the court and major brand partnerships. British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury follows in third place with $146 million (approx. £109.7 million), enjoying a financial boost from his Netflix series and endorsement deals despite his recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
American football quarterback Dak Prescott came in fourth with $137 million, while football legend Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s longtime rival, slid to fifth place with $135 million, a drop from his previous position.
The list also includes notable names from baseball and basketball, such as Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, showcasing the diverse earning power across major global sports.
Ronaldo’s continued dominance at the top highlights not only his enduring athletic prowess but also his strategic moves off the pitch that keep him among the most bankable stars in the world.
