Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Footballers List Once Again
Cristiano Ronaldo has reclaimed the top spot as the world’s highest-paid footballer for the 2025–26 season, according to Forbes, marking the sixth time in ten years that the Portuguese legend has led the ranking. At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to dominate both the pitch and the business side of football, setting new standards for longevity and financial success.
The news comes shortly after Bloomberg officially recognized Ronaldo as football’s first billionaire, further cementing his legacy as one of the most influential athletes of all time. With estimated annual earnings of $280 million, the Al Nassr forward’s income more than doubles that of his long-standing rival Lionel Messi, who sits second with $130 million.
Ronaldo’s impressive earnings are split between $230 million in on-field income, which includes salary, bonuses, and club incentives from Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, and $50 million in off-field endorsements from global sponsors such as Nike, Binance, and Herbalife. His continued financial dominance demonstrates his unmatched global appeal and marketability.
In a recent interview with Portugal’s Canal 11, Ronaldo dismissed speculation about retirement following Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory, saying, “I think I’m still producing good things; I’m helping my club and my national team. Why not keep going?”
Forbes noted that only boxer Floyd Mayweather has ever earned more in a single year, with $300 million in 2015 and $285 million in 2018.
Following Ronaldo on the list, Lionel Messi ranks second with $130 million, fueled largely by his endorsement deals with global brands. Karim Benzema, now in his final year with Al Ittihad, places third with $104 million. Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid ranks fourth with $95 million, while Erling Haaland completes the top five with $80 million after signing a record-breaking extension with Manchester City.
The Saudi Pro League continues to feature prominently on the list, represented by Ronaldo, Benzema, and Sadio Mané (8th, $54 million). However, Neymar’s move back to Brazil with Santos reduced the league’s representation from four to three.
La Liga dominates this year’s top 10, with rising stars such as Vinicius Jr ($60 million), Jude Bellingham ($44 million), and Lamine Yamal ($43 million) joining Mbappé. At just 18, Yamal becomes the youngest player ever featured in the ranking’s 22-year history.
The combined earnings of the top 10 players total $945 million, down slightly from last year but reflecting a generational shift in global football wealth. With half of the players aged 29 or younger, the next era of football is already taking shape — but even amid the rise of new stars, Cristiano Ronaldo remains unmatched, continuing to lead the sport in both excellence and earnings.
