C.Ronaldo is the champion in making money, leaving Messi "in the dust"

According to Forbes, C. Ronaldo has been the world's highest-earning athlete for the third consecutive year. Specifically, the Portuguese superstar earned $275 million in the past 12 months, $15 million more than the same period last year.

C. Ronaldo is the highest-earning athlete in 2025 according to Forbes (Photo: Getty).

It is worth mentioning that C. Ronaldo has turned 40 years old but the speed at which he earns money is increasing. According to Forbes' estimates, CR7 has received 225 million USD in salary and bonuses from Al Nassr Club and 50 million USD from business activities, advertising...

The No. 7 superstar is also the first athlete in the world to top the list of the year's best-earning athletes five times. The figure of 275 million USD is also the second highest income of an athlete within a year. Previously, legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather earned 300 million USD in 2015 and 275 million USD in 2018. In those two years, Mayweather earned a huge income thanks to his "super classic" matches with Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor.

C. Ronaldo outperforms the rest of the world in terms of earning power. Number 2 on the list is basketball star Stephen Curry, who earned $156 million. Number 3 is boxer Tyson Fury, with $146 million.

Messi ranked only 5th on the money-making list with 135 million USD (Photo: Getty).

NFL player Dak Prescott is fourth with $137 million. Messi earned $135 million and is fifth on the list.

Another footballer in the top 10 highest-earning athletes in the world is Karim Benzema (ranked 8th, 104 million USD). The French player has a high income when playing for Al Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia.

Other athletes in the top 10 are LeBron James (basketball, $133.8 million), Juan Soto (baseball, $114 million), Shohei Ohtani (baseball, $102.5 million), Kevin Durant (basketball, $101.4 million).

Top 10 highest earning athletes in the world according to Forbes

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (football): 275 million USD

2. Stephen Curry (basketball): 156 million USD

3. Tyson Fury (boxing): 146 million USD

4. Dak Prescott (American football): $137 million

5. Lionel Messi (soccer): $135 million

6. LeBron James (basketball): $133.8 million

7. Juan Soto (baseball): $114 million

8. Karim Benzema (football): 104 million USD

9. Shohei Ohtani (baseball): $102.5 million

10. Kevin Durant (basketball): 101.4 million USD

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/cronaldo-vo-dich-ve-kiem-tien-cho-messi-hit-khoi-20250516202212073.htm