Full Breakdown
2025's Highest-Paid Athletes: A Comprehensive Overview
1/15/2026, 1:00:09 AM
Core Event: Cristiano Ronaldo Tops the Earnings List
In 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo retained his position as the highest-paid athlete globally, with total earnings of $260 million. This marks the third consecutive year he has held this title, significantly outpacing other athletes in various sports.
Top Earners in 2025
Following Ronaldo, the list of the highest-paid athletes includes Canelo Álvarez in second place with $137 million, and Lionel Messi in third with $130 million. The top ten is rounded out by Juan Soto (MLB) at $129.2 million, LeBron James (NBA) at $128.7 million, Karim Benzema (Soccer) at $115 million, Stephen Curry (NBA) at $105.4 million, Shohei Ohtani (MLB) at $102.5 million, Kevin Durant (NBA) at $100.8 million, and Jon Rahm (LIV Golf) at $100.7 million.
Ronaldo's earnings are primarily attributed to his lucrative contract with Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, which guarantees him at least $75 million annually, with potential earnings reaching up to $200 million through commercial agreements. His contract was extended through 2027, although the financial specifics of the new agreement remain undisclosed.
The Role of Endorsements
Endorsement deals play a significant role in the earnings of top athletes. LeBron James leads the NBA with $80 million from endorsements, while Shohei Ohtani stands out as the highest-earning player overall in this category, amassing $100 million. The reliance on endorsements is particularly pronounced among female athletes, who derive approximately 70% of their income from such deals, compared to 35% for their male counterparts.
Female Athletes' Earnings Landscape
Despite the increasing financial opportunities for female athletes, no women made it into Sportico's list of the 100 highest-paid athletes for the third consecutive year. Tennis player Coco Gauff was the top-earning female athlete at $31 million, which would have placed her at No. 122 in a deeper list. The disparity in earnings is stark, as the cutoff for the top 100 was $37.9 million, highlighting the challenges female athletes face in achieving parity with their male counterparts.
Criticism of Gender Pay Disparities
Critics point out that while female athletes are earning more than ever, the gap in salaries remains significant, particularly in team sports. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) are undergoing changes to improve pay structures, with the WNBA's new media deal set to increase annual revenues significantly starting in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Sportico's analysis reflects a growing trend in sports earnings, with substantial financial inflows into professional leagues. However, the absence of female athletes in the top 100 raises concerns about gender equity in sports compensation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “7 million Ronaldo has been the highest-paid athlete every year since signing his original deal with Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League.” — Sportico
- “8 million) and Simone Biles ($11 million) are setting records for annual earnings in their respective sports, but the bar to crack the top 100 has soared in recent years, and female athletes have playing salaries that are a fraction of the men’s in team sports, as bigger TV deals have boosted salary caps, primarily in the NFL and NBA, which were responsible for 62% of the top 100 in 2025.” — Sportico
This overview of the highest-paid athletes in 2025 underscores the evolving landscape of sports earnings, marked by significant disparities and the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes in achieving equitable compensation.
