Ronaldo still no.1 as Sportico releases 2025 earnings rankings
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to Sportico’s latest annual rankings, with the Portuguese forward once again out-earning every other sports star despite playing outside Europe’s major leagues.
The figures, published by the US-based sports business outlet, highlight how Saudi-backed contracts and global commercial reach continue to reshape the economics of elite sport, particularly in football.
Sportico estimates that the top 100 athletes earned a combined $6.05 billion (£4.5bn) in 2025, a slight 2.1% drop from the previous year. Even so, the upper end of the list remains dominated by a small group of global superstars whose income extends far beyond salaries alone.
Ronaldo’s Saudi deal drives record earnings at top of Sportico rankings
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world’s highest-paid athlete, according to Sportico’s latest annual rankings, with the Portuguese forward once again out-earning every other sports star despite playing outside Europe’s major leagues.
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The figures, published by the US-based sports business outlet, highlight how Saudi-backed contracts and global commercial reach continue to reshape the economics of elite sport, particularly in football.
Sportico estimates that the top 100 athletes earned a combined $6.05 billion (£4.5bn) in 2025, a slight 2.1% drop from the previous year. Even so, the upper end of the list remains dominated by a small group of global superstars whose income extends far beyond salaries alone.
Ronaldo clear at the top
Ronaldo generated $260 million (£194m) across 2025, comfortably leading the list for a third consecutive year. Around $200m (£149m) came from his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while the rest was driven by commercial activity away from the pitch.
Endorsements and business ventures continue to play a central role in Ronaldo’s earning power. Sportico reported that his combined social media following has now surpassed one billion, a scale that few athletes — in any sport — can match.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has now earned at least $100m (£74m) in each of the past nine years and has exceeded the $200m mark on three occasions, underlining the longevity of his commercial appeal.
Messi and the chasing pack
Lionel Messi ranks third on the list, earning $130m (£97m) in 2025 — roughly half of Ronaldo’s total. Much of Messi’s income continues to come from long-term sponsorship agreements, including his partnership with adidas.
Sportico noted that the Argentine recently signed a new contract with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, extending his stay in the United States until 2028.
Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez sits between the two footballers in second place after agreeing a lucrative deal with Saudi promoters, reflecting the growing influence of the kingdom across multiple sports.
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Neymar’s earnings fall
Neymar’s position illustrates how quickly fortunes can change. The Brazilian forward dropped to No.30 on Sportico’s list after leaving Saudi club Al-Hilal and returning to Santos in early 2025.
His earnings fell by almost $50m (£37m) compared with the previous year, a decline linked to a lower-value contract in South America. Despite ongoing injury concerns, Sportico reported that Neymar is working toward regaining full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A shifting sports economy
Basketball continues to dominate the upper reaches of the rankings, with NBA players accounting for 40% of the top 100. LeBron James led that group, earning $80m (£60m) off the court alone, according to Sportico.
The NFL followed with 22 players represented, headed by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
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Football placed 13 players inside the top 100, including Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland — but it is Ronaldo’s blend of salary, sponsorship and global reach that once again sets him apart from the rest.
Ronaldo generated $260 million (£194m) across 2025, comfortably leading the list for a third consecutive year. Around $200m (£149m) came from his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, while the rest was driven by commercial activity away from the pitch.
Endorsements and business ventures continue to play a central role in Ronaldo’s earning power. Sportico reported that his combined social media following has now surpassed one billion, a scale that few athletes — in any sport — can match.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has now earned at least $100m (£74m) in each of the past nine years and has exceeded the $200m mark on three occasions, underlining the longevity of his commercial appeal.
Read also: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid future clarified after Xabi Alonso exit
Messi and the chasing pack
Lionel Messi ranks third on the list, earning $130m (£97m) in 2025 — roughly half of Ronaldo’s total. Much of Messi’s income continues to come from long-term sponsorship agreements, including his partnership with adidas.
Sportico noted that the Argentine recently signed a new contract with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, extending his stay in the United States until 2028.
Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez sits between the two footballers in second place after agreeing a lucrative deal with Saudi promoters, reflecting the growing influence of the kingdom across multiple sports.
Neymar’s earnings fall
Neymar’s position illustrates how quickly fortunes can change. The Brazilian forward dropped to No.30 on Sportico’s list after leaving Saudi club Al-Hilal and returning to Santos in early 2025.
His earnings fell by almost $50m (£37m) compared with the previous year, a decline linked to a lower-value contract in South America. Despite ongoing injury concerns, Sportico reported that Neymar is working toward regaining full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A shifting sports economy
Basketball continues to dominate the upper reaches of the rankings, with NBA players accounting for 40% of the top 100. LeBron James led that group, earning $80m (£60m) off the court alone, according to Sportico.
The NFL followed with 22 players represented, headed by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Football placed 13 players inside the top 100, including Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland — but it is Ronaldo’s blend of salary, sponsorship and global reach that once again sets him apart from the rest.
Sources: Sportico
