20th October 2025
October 20 – According to _Forbes_, Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the highest-paid player in the world, earning a mind-boggling $280 million for a season’s work. That figure not only dwarfs his rivals on the pitch but even outstrips the salaries of megastars in the NBA, MLB, and NFL. Not bad for a forty-year-old!
To give perspective, Ronaldo’s annual income eclipses that of the LA Lakers, LeBron James (around $128 million), Shohei Ohtani (roughly $70 million with the Dodgers, not counting endorsements), and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (about $60 million). Football, once known for its comparatively “modest” wages, now produces some of the world’s richest athletes, with the Saudi Pro League leading the charge.
Ronaldo’s new two-year deal with Al Nassr brings him $230 million in salary, plus another $50 million from sponsorships and social media. It’s his sixth time topping _Forbes’_ list in the past decade
Next is his old sparring mate from Barcelona, and now Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi**,** whose $130 million haul makes him the only Major League Soccer (MLS) player among the elite with $70 million in endorsements.
Karim Benzema ($104m), Kylian Mbappé ($95m), Erling Haaland ($80m), Mohamed Salah ($55m), Vinícius Júnior ($60m), Jude Bellingham ($44m), and Sadio Mané ($54m) round out a top ten that will collectively bank nearly $1 billion this year.
Contact the writer of this story at [moc.l1760939178labto1760939178ofdlr1760939178owedi1760939178sni@r1760939178etsbe1760939178w.kci1760939178n1760939178](javascript:;)