The $260 Million Man: How Cristiano Ronaldo Dominated the 2025 Rich List
In the world of sports, the debate over who is the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) usually happens on the pitch. But when it comes to bank accounts, the 2025 numbers are in, and Cristiano Ronaldo has officially left the competition in the dust.
According to the latest annual report from Sportico, Ronaldo has claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete for the third consecutive year. While fans still argue over who is better between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the financial gap between the two icons has never been wider.
Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Earnings
Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just winning; he’s doubling the competition. Earning a staggering $260 million over the last year, the Portuguese superstar has leveraged his move to Al-Nassr into a financial empire.
- On-Field: His jaw-dropping contract in the Saudi Pro League brings in roughly $200 million annually.
- Off-Field: His massive social media presence—now exceeding 1 billion followers—helps him generate an additional $60 million through partnerships with brands like Nike, Binance, and Herbalife.
The Messi & Canelo Breakdown
Where does that leave the rest of the elite? Interestingly, the battle for second place didn’t go to another soccer player.
- Canelo Álvarez: The Mexican boxing king secured the #2 spot, earning $137 million. His high-profile bouts and commercial appeal allowed him to narrowly edge out the football legends for the silver medal.
- Lionel Messi: The Argentine World Cup winner landed in third place with $130 million in total earnings. While his salary at Inter Miami is significant, and his lifelong partnership with Adidas remains a goldmine, his total income is currently exactly half of Ronaldo’s.
“Check out our full breakdown of the Messi vs. Ronaldo Career Stats to see if the money matches the trophies.”
The 2025 Top 5 Highest-Paid Athletes
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Total Earnings |
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Soccer | $260 Million |
| 2 | Canelo Álvarez | Boxing | $137 Million |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Soccer | $130 Million |
| 4 | Juan Soto | Baseball | $129.2 Million |
| 5 | LeBron James | Basketball | $128.7 Million |
The Bottom Line
For the third year running, Ronaldo’s “Saudi Chapter” has proven to be the most lucrative move in sports history. While Messi continues to grow the game in the U.S. with Inter Miami, Ronaldo is currently in a league of his own when it comes to his earning power.
Whether you’re Team CR7 or Team Messi, one thing is certain: the business of sports has never been bigger.
Ronaldo vs Messi Career Earnings
This video provides a deeper historical context on how these two legends have competed for the top financial spot over the last decade.
