Chapter 11. Records & Awards > World’s Highest-Paid Athletes (Forbes)

♣ World’s Highest-Paid Footballer (Forbes)

Ranking among the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes has never been an easy feat, but with the threshold for inclusion rising to $53.6 million this year—up an eye-popping 19% from 2024’s record-tying $45.2 million, and nearly double 2017’s $27.2 million—landing a spot on the exclusive list is harder than ever. Just eight years ago, that minimum payday would have been good enough for No. 6 overall.

Instead, sixth place on the 2025 financial leaderboard belongs to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, with an estimated $133.8 million over the past 12 months (before taxes and agent fees). And even James’ massive haul is nowhere near this year’s No. 1, soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, at $275 million—the third-best year for an active athlete ever measured by Forbes.

Combined, this year’s 50 top earners collected an estimated $4.23 billion, demolishing the previous high of $3.88 billion set just last year. The new total includes $1.04 billion from athletes’ endorsements, appearances and other business endeavors, climbing 11% from 2024’s $936 million and just shy of 2023’s record $1.08 billion.

But the increase is coming primarily on the field, where the top 50 collectively racked up $3.19 billion from playing salaries, bonuses and prize money—up a staggering 67% in just three years. Golfers have benefited from the entry of the Saudi-backed LIV league, with the new competition driving up purses even on rival tours. And the soaring NBA salary cap, fueled by the league’s record revenue, has players flying high above the financial rim. Sixteen basketball players appear on this year’s list, the most from any sport.

Expect the trend, and the upward trajectory of athlete earnings, to continue. The NBA’s new national media deals are set to take effect next season, which will mean millions more in players’ pockets.

📢 This article filters only soccer players from the "Ranking among the world's 50 highest-paid athletes."

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♣ Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Total Earnings	$275 M
On-Field Earnings	$225 M
Off-Field Earnings	$50 M
Current team	Al-Nassr

♣ Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Total Earnings	$135 M
On-Field Earnings	$60 M
Off-Field Earnings	$75 M
Current team	Inter Miami

♣ Karim Benzema (France)

Total Earnings	$104 M
On-Field Earnings	$100 M
Off-Field Earnings	$4 M
Current team	Al-Ittihad

♣ Kylian Mbappé (France)

Total Earnings	$90 M
On-Field Earnings	$70 M
Off-Field Earnings	$20 M
Current team	Real Madrid

♣ Neymar Júnior (Brazil)

Total Earnings	$76 M
On-Field Earnings	$46 M
Off-Field Earnings	$30 M
Current team	Santos

♣ Erling Haaland (Norway)

Total Earnings	$62 M
On-Field Earnings	$48 M
Off-Field Earnings	$14 M
Current team	Manchester City

♣ Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)

Total Earnings	$55 M
On-Field Earnings	$40 M
Off-Field Earnings	$15 M
Current team	Real Madrid

♣ Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Total Earnings	$54 M
On-Field Earnings	$50 M
Off-Field Earnings	$4 M
Current team	Al-Nassr

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