Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ 2025 Rich List, Beating Curry, Fury & Messi


Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo once again cements his place as the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to Forbes’ 2025 rankings. This marks the third straight year—and the fifth time overall—that the Portuguese icon has claimed the top spot.

Following his blockbuster move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s total earnings are pegged at a staggering $275 million, driven by both on-field wages and massive off-field deals. His commercial power, especially across social media where he commands a colossal fanbase, has added $15 million more to his income this year alone.

Also Read:- Vijay Sethupathi House: Address | Price | Interior | Trending News

Despite this financial windfall, Ronaldo’s Saudi chapter hasn’t been filled with silverware. Al Nassr endured a trophyless season and even failed to qualify for next year’s AFC Champions League. Still, the 40-year-old veteran has racked up an impressive 97 goals in 109 matches since his move in 2023.

In a dramatic twist, reports suggest that several Brazilian clubs are now eyeing Ronaldo for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. While the club behind the offer remains unnamed, sources say it involves hefty backing from international investors. The four Brazilian teams confirmed for the tournament are Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo

Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes of 2025 – According to Forbes:

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million
    (Thanks to Al Nassr salary + monster sponsorships)
  2. Stephen Curry – $156 million
    (NBA’s first-ever 4,000 3-pointers milestone + big brand deals)
  3. Tyson Fury – $146 million
    (Despite losing his title to Usyk, Netflix shows and Malta tourism endorsements helped)
  4. Dak Prescott – $137 million
    (Dallas Cowboys star cashed in with record-breaking bonuses and contract)
  5. Lionel Messi – $135 million
    (Same as last year; now playing for Inter Miami CF and endorsed by Adidas & Apple)
  6. LeBron James – $133.8 million
    (Still going strong in his twilight years with the Lakers)
  7. Juan Soto – $114 million
    (MLB’s richest man with a $765 million, 15-year deal with the Mets)
  8. Karim Benzema – $104 million
    (Al Ittihad’s marquee signing continues to earn big in Saudi Arabia)
  9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 million
    (A World Series win and huge contract with the LA-based MLB team boosted his value)
  10. Kevin Durant – $101.4 million
    (Phoenix Suns star maintains a strong presence on and off the court)

Conclusion: 

Cristiano Ronaldo may not be lifting trophies in Saudi Arabia, but he’s winning where it counts—in his bank account. With Brazilian clubs now circling and his legacy still shining bright, CR7’s story is far from over.

Also Read:- Neeraj Chopra Smashes National Record with 90.23m Throw at Doha Diamond League 2025, Clinches Silver

Cristiano Ronaldo once again cements his place as the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to Forbes’ 2025 rankings. This marks the third straight year—and the fifth time overall—that the Portuguese icon has claimed the top spot.

Following his blockbuster move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s total earnings are pegged at a staggering $275 million, driven by both on-field wages and massive off-field deals. His commercial power, especially across social media where he commands a colossal fanbase, has added $15 million more to his income this year alone.

Also Read:- Vijay Sethupathi House: Address | Price | Interior | Trending News

Despite this financial windfall, Ronaldo’s Saudi chapter hasn’t been filled with silverware. Al Nassr endured a trophyless season and even failed to qualify for next year’s AFC Champions League. Still, the 40-year-old veteran has racked up an impressive 97 goals in 109 matches since his move in 2023.

In a dramatic twist, reports suggest that several Brazilian clubs are now eyeing Ronaldo for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. While the club behind the offer remains unnamed, sources say it involves hefty backing from international investors. The four Brazilian teams confirmed for the tournament are Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo

Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes of 2025 – According to Forbes:

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million
    (Thanks to Al Nassr salary + monster sponsorships)
  2. Stephen Curry – $156 million
    (NBA’s first-ever 4,000 3-pointers milestone + big brand deals)
  3. Tyson Fury – $146 million
    (Despite losing his title to Usyk, Netflix shows and Malta tourism endorsements helped)
  4. Dak Prescott – $137 million
    (Dallas Cowboys star cashed in with record-breaking bonuses and contract)
  5. Lionel Messi – $135 million
    (Same as last year; now playing for Inter Miami CF and endorsed by Adidas & Apple)
  6. LeBron James – $133.8 million
    (Still going strong in his twilight years with the Lakers)
  7. Juan Soto – $114 million
    (MLB’s richest man with a $765 million, 15-year deal with the Mets)
  8. Karim Benzema – $104 million
    (Al Ittihad’s marquee signing continues to earn big in Saudi Arabia)
  9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 million
    (A World Series win and huge contract with the LA-based MLB team boosted his value)
  10. Kevin Durant – $101.4 million
    (Phoenix Suns star maintains a strong presence on and off the court)

Conclusion: 

Cristiano Ronaldo may not be lifting trophies in Saudi Arabia, but he’s winning where it counts—in his bank account. With Brazilian clubs now circling and his legacy still shining bright, CR7’s story is far from over.

Also Read:- Neeraj Chopra Smashes National Record with 90.23m Throw at Doha Diamond League 2025, Clinches Silver