Sports remain an industry of astronomical figures, and Forbes has just released its updated list of the 10 highest-paid athletes in 2025. From football icons to NBA superstars, each of them rakes in millions both on and off the field. Cristiano Ronaldo once again tops the chart, joined by figures who combine talent, sponsorships, and record-breaking contracts.

#10 • Kevin Durant – $101.4 million

The NBA star forward takes the tenth spot thanks to his salary and vibrant endorsement deals.

#9 • Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 million

The Japanese baseball superstar earns massive income, combining his sports contract with an impressive portfolio of endorsements.

#8 • Karim Benzema – $104 million

The Al-Ittihad striker remains a key figure on and off the pitch, with lucrative contracts in Saudi Arabia and sponsorship deals.

#7 • Juan Soto – $114 million

The New York Mets baseball star lands in the top ten thanks to his historic contract and sponsorships.

#6 • LeBron James – $133.8 million

The legendary Lakers player pairs his salary with multi-million-dollar endorsement income, cementing his place among the elite.

#5 • Lionel Messi – $135 million

The Argentine legend stays near the top thanks to his salary with Inter Miami and a wide range of brand endorsements.

#4 • Dak Prescott – $137 million

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback gets a huge boost from signing bonuses and his contract extension.

#3 • Tyson Fury – $146 million

Despite some recent defeats, the British boxer continues to generate massive earnings through promotions, a reality show, and sponsorships.

#2 • Stephen Curry – $156 million

The Golden State Warriors icon climbs to second place, driven by his salary and record-setting endorsements in the NBA.

#1 • Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million

For the third consecutive year (and the fifth time in his career), Cristiano tops the Forbes list with record-breaking figures. His earnings combine his Al-Nassr contract with lucrative commercial deals, backed by a global fan base.

This ranking reaffirms the financial dominance of sports superstars, where talent and marketing merge with strategy to turn their image into astronomical figures. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s unbeatable leadership to the financial versatility of Curry and LeBron, these athletes prove that being the best on the field can also mean being the most profitable off it.