cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations on and off the pitch, celebrating his 41st birthday as the world’s highest-paid athlete for the third consecutive year, according to a new report by Sportico. The portuguese star’s lucrative contract with Al-Nassr-valued at $200 million annually-and extensive endorsement portfolio solidify his position at the top of the sports earnings landscape. This news arrives amid increasing scrutiny of financial investment in the Saudi Pro League and its impact on the global soccer ecosystem.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday, but age hasn’t slowed down the Portuguese superstar’s earning power. In fact, he remains the highest-paid athlete in the world, continuing a dominant run that has seen him rake in at least 85 million euros annually for the past nine years.
Ronaldo’s continued financial success comes even as he continues his career with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, a move that has reshaped the landscape of global soccer. According to calculations by Sportico, a sports economy-focused publication, Ronaldo has topped the list of highest-earning athletes for the third consecutive year.
Currently valued at 12 million euros, Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr, which runs through 2027, is the primary driver of his income, bringing in a staggering 200 million dollars per year (170.6 million euros). This lucrative deal underscores the Saudi Pro League’s ambition to attract top talent.
In addition to his club salary, Ronaldo earns another 60 million dollars annually (51.1 million euros) through endorsements. He maintains over ten partnerships with major brands, including Nike, Herbalife, Binance, Perplexity, Yili, and Therabody. Recently, the Portuguese icon expanded his business interests with an investment in WOW FC, a Spanish mixed martial arts (MMA) league.
Sportico details that Ronaldo has earned a minimum of 100 million dollars (85.2 million euros) each year for nine straight years. His broad appeal and marketability continue to make him a favorite among sponsors.
Rounding out the top three is Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez, who earned 137 million dollars in 2025 through four fight contracts (125 million dollars) and endorsements (12 million dollars). Lionel Messi comes in third, with total earnings of 130 million dollars, half of which comes from sponsorships.
Collectively, the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes generated 6.050 billion dollars in 2025, a slight decrease of 2.1% from the previous year’s record. Notably, for the third year in a row, no women appear in the top 100 earners.
