As it does every year, Forbes has released its annual report on the world’s highest-paid athletes. The 2025 list features Cristiano Ronaldo once again ahead of Lionel Messi among the global elite.

According to Forbes, Ronaldo is currently the top-earning athlete on the planet, bringing in an estimated $275 million. The all-time leading scorer in world soccer has now claimed the No. 1 spot for the third straight year, with his move to Saudi Arabia driving a massive surge in both salary and endorsement income.

Messi, meanwhile, ranks fifth overall with an estimated $135 million. Since his arrival in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, the Argentine superstar has fueled soaring revenues and franchise valuations, further boosting the league’s profile.

Only three athletes separate Messi fr

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