Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo once again topped Forbes 2025 annual ranking of the world’s highest-paid athletes. The 40-year-old Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia striker amassed $275 million in earnings between May 2024 and May 2025, cementing his position as a global figure both on and off the pitch.
According to Forbes, 60% of his income comes from commercial agreements with brands such as Nike, Binance and Herbalife, while the remaining 40% comes from his salary and prizes. This is the second consecutive time he has topped the list, despite his team’s failure to win major titles in the Saudi league.
Top 5: Curry, Fury, Prescott and Messi
Behind Cristiano Ronaldo is basketball player Stephen Curry, star of the Golden State Warriors, with 156 million dollars.
His multi-million dollar contract with Under Armour and agreements with Chase Bank keep him as the highest paid player in the NBA.
In third place is the British boxer Tyson Fury, with 146 million, product of his fights against Oleksandr Usyk, widely mediatic and lucrative.
60% of its income comes from trade agreements
QueOnnda.com
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott ranks fourth with 137 million.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, the current star of Inter Miami, closes the Top 5 with 135 million, boosted by partnerships with Apple, Adidas and MLS.
The only Mexican on the list
Buzzy
Boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez ranked 22nd with revenues of US$80 million, standing out as the only Mexican in the ranking.
In addition to his fights, he generates income through his “El Canelo” tequila brand and various advertising campaigns.
For the second consecutive year, no women appear in the Top 50, reflecting the persistent income gap in professional sports.
Although interest in women’s sports is growing, commercial and salary revenues remain significantly lower.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Canelo Alvarez are not only sports icons, but also hugely influential figures in the U.S. Latino community.
Millions of Hispanics follow their careers and consume the products and content they represent.
The Forbes list reaffirms the connection between sports, the commercial market and Latino cultural identity.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
