Cristiano Ronaldo Tops List of World’s Highest-Paid Athletes Featuring LeBron James

Cristiano Ronaldo has topped a 100-strong list of the world's highest-paid athletes, which features sportspeople from eight different sports and 28 countries.

Back in June, Ronaldo squashed rumours of a potential retirement as he committed his future to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr by signing a lucrative two-year deal.

The 40-year-old picks up around £488,000 per day, according to The Sun, which is equal to £3.42m per week, £20,357 per hour, £339.28 per minute and £5.65 per second.

Ronaldo was also offered several perks to become a “dream ambassador”, which would reportedly take his earnings to above £492 million over his two-year contract.

On top of his £178 million per year salary at Al Nassr, he will take home a reported £24.5 million signing-on bonus, which will increase to £38 million if he triggers the second year of his deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break records at Al Nassr. Image credit: Getty

Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo leads the way when it comes to the world's highest-paid athletes.

A report from Sportico suggests he banked £194 million in 2025, which includes £149 million in earnings and an additional £45 million in endorsements.

The closest rival to Ronaldo on the list is former super middleweight undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez, who signed a four-fight deal with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh in February, which is said to be worth around £240 million.

Alvarez earned £93 million in the ring alongside £9 million in endorsements.

Lionel Messi ranks third on the 100-strong list, with the report suggesting his salary at MLS side Inter Miami is around the £45 million mark, while £52 million came through endorsements, taking his overall total to £97 million.

Karim Benzema, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, was the only other footballer in the top 10. He is said to make £86 million, which includes £82 million for his salary and £4 million in endorsements.

The top 20 highest-paid athletes in the world, according to Sportico. Image credit: Getty

LeBron James, meanwhile, sits behind New York Mets player Juan Soto in fifth place. The Los Angeles Lakers star earns a reported £96 million.

As mentioned by Sportico, no women managed to break into the top 100.

Tennis player Coco Gauff, who topped Forbes' 2025 list of highest-paid female athletes with $33 million (£24.6m), was said to be the top-earning female athlete last year.

You can see the full top 100 list HERE.