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The Highest Earning Athletes In The World In 2025

The Highest Earning Athletes In The World In 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo might be edging closer to the twilight of his playing career, but financially, he’s never been brighter.

For the third year in a row, and the fifth time in his legendary career, the Portuguese icon has topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

At 40, Ronaldo banked an astonishing $275 million in the past year.

That figure isn’t just a record but a reflection of the enduring global power of his brand, his consistency as a sporting force, and his pioneering role in pushing athletes toward financial superstardom.

And yet, Ronaldo is only the tip of the iceberg.

In all, the ten highest-paid athletes in 2025 earned a combined $1.38 billion before taxes and agents’ fees. That number is just shy of the all-time record set in 2023, a sign that even in a shifting sports economy, with new stars rising, geopolitical influence growing, and aging icons hanging on, the business of elite athletes is only getting more lucrative.

So, who made the list? And what do their stories say about the state of global sport?

Let’s break it down.

10. Kevin Durant – $101.4 million (Basketball)

Durant rounds out the list with a mix of playing salary, equity from business ventures like Boardroom and 35V, and sneaker sales through his Nike partnership. Quiet but calculated, KD is investing in tech, crypto, and sports media, positioning himself as a new-era businessman-athlete.

9. Shohei Ohtani – $102.5 million (Baseball)

The Japanese two-way sensation inked a historic deal with the LA Dodgers worth $700 million—albeit heavily deferred. Ohtani’s off-field appeal, though, is the real cash cow. He earned over $50 million from endorsements, more than any MLB player ever, making him a trans-Pacific brand juggernaut.

8. Karim Benzema – $104 million (Football)

Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad was another statement signing for the Saudi Pro League, following the path blazed by Cristiano Ronaldo. The deal made him one of the best-paid players in football history.

Though Injuries and form have hindered his play, financially, it’s still a win. The scale of his contract and his lasting commercial appeal ensured he remained firmly among the world’s top-earning athletes.

7. Juan Soto – $114 million (Baseball)

Juan Soto’s move to the New York Yankees didn’t just make headlines, it made history. His 10-year, $700 million deal is the richest in baseball on an annual basis, with his 2025 earnings alone nearing $100 million, boosted by hefty signing bonuses.

Beyond the numbers, it marks a shift in Major League Baseball. Soto’s rise reflects a new era led by younger, more marketable Latino stars at a time when baseball’s global appeal is beginning to surge.

6. LeBron James – $133.8 million (Basketball)

LeBron James no longer needs to dominate the court to dominate the earnings list. Now 40, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer made more money off the court than on it in 2025. His business ventures through SpringHill Company, investments in Blaze Pizza, Fenway Sports Group, and continued Nike partnerships have made him a mogul.

James, by all accounts, is laying the blueprint for athletes aiming to become billionaires, without needing to dribble a ball forever.

5. Lionel Messi – $135 million (Football)

Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer was as much a media event as a football transfer. The Argentine superstar joined Inter Miami and helped break attendance records across the league. Messi’s salary is significant, but the real gold lies in equity deals with Apple, Adidas, and MLS itself, arrangements designed to reward him for every subscriber and shirt sold.

Even at 37, Messi’s influence is unmatched in the Americas. And with the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. fast approaching, his marketability might actually rise.

4. Dak Prescott – $137 million (American Football)

NFL quarterbacks continue to enjoy a golden era of contract payouts. Dak Prescott’s $240 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys includes front-loaded bonuses and incentives that brought his annual income to over $137 million in 2025 alone.

That’s without counting his off-field endorsements with companies like AT&T, Beats by Dre, and Adidas. In a league where longevity is rare, Prescott is proving that a steady arm and clean image can mean long-term earning power.

3. Tyson Fury – $146 million (Boxing)

Despite not holding all the heavyweight belts, Tyson Fury remains the biggest box-office draw in boxing. His earnings were boosted by two high-profile fights, lucrative Pay-Per-View deals, and a major reality show with Netflix.

What’s more intriguing is that Fury’s success is evidence that boxing, often written off as a sport in decline, still knows how to mint millionaires, especially when there’s a personality fans can’t ignore.

2. Stephen Curry – $156 million (Basketball)

Stephen Curry has long been known for his range on the court, but his financial reach stretches just as far. The Golden State Warriors star earned around $50 million from his NBA salary this year, but that’s only part of the picture.

Off the court, Curry has positioned himself as one of the most marketable athletes in the world. His lifetime deal with Under Armour, reportedly worth over $1 billion, sits alongside a growing list of investments in tech startups and the steady rise of his Curry Brand in the sportswear space. At 36, he’s not just banking on basketball, but he’s building something that could last well beyond his playing days.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million (Football)

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with $275 million in earnings, much of it driven by his lucrative move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Forbes estimates $200 million came from his playing contract alone this past year, with the rest from endorsements, CR7-branded ventures, and a near-billion-strong social media following.

It’s not just the money, but the impact. No other athlete has combined elite performance with commercial power quite like Ronaldo. His presence in Saudi Arabia has done more than boost his bank account. It’s helped lure stars like Benzema and Neymar and shift the financial landscape of football itself.

Nairametrics.com

 

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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.

Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.

Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”

January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.

Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.

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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.

Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.

“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”

Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.

So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

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He Gives Us Energy: William Saliba Hails Mastermind Behind Arsenal’s Defensive Dominance

William Saliba and Gabriel Heinze during Arsenal training session

Arsenal’s defensive dominance in the Premier League has a new driving force behind it, according to William Saliba. The French centre-back has hailed Gabriel Heinze, Mikel Arteta’s new first-team coach, as the mastermind behind the Gunners’ impressive backline.

Since joining Arteta’s staff in July, Heinze has brought his trademark intensity and energy to Arsenal’s training ground, helping a side that has conceded just seven goals in 14 Premier League matches — the best defensive record in the division.

Heinze’s Influence On The Gunners

Speaking to the Men in Blazers Media Network, Saliba described Heinze as a constant presence around the defenders:

“Gabriel Heinze helps a lot, especially the defenders. He gives us energy because he’s always talking, always loud — even in training when we do simple things, he’s always loud. Even for nothing, he will be loud! He talks a lot and it’s good to have him close to us. I think this guy can help us a lot.”

Saliba’s comments paint a vivid picture of Heinze as a demanding coach, whose booming voice and relentless standards lift the entire defensive unit.

Arteta added context to Heinze’s appointment, noting their long-standing friendship and mutual trust:

“He’s a winner. He’s won in many clubs he’s been at. We’ve known each other for 23 years, I’m very close to that. It brings something extra.”

He praised Heinze’s tactical insight and complementary personality:

“We complement each other really well, and everybody brings a different insight, a different character, a different personality, to the table that makes us a much better team.”

A Winning Pedigree

Heinze’s coaching approach is rooted in a winning playing career. From PSG to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Marseille, the former defender was known for hard tackling and relentless duels. Since retiring in 2014, he’s built a coaching résumé across South America and the U.S., including stints at Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Velez Sarsfield, Atlanta United, and Newell’s Old Boys.

Testing Defensive Resilience

Heinze’s influence comes at a time when Arsenal’s defense has been hit by injuries. Key centre-backs Saliba and Gabriel have been sidelined, forcing Arteta to deploy makeshift partnerships like Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, and Jurrien Timber. Despite the reshuffling, Arsenal still secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford, proving the defensive organisation and resilience Heinze has instilled.

Arteta commented on the injury situation:

“He (Saliba) had a little niggle, so I think it’s going to be a matter of days. Big Gabi is doing very well as well, but that’s weeks as well.”

With Heinze bringing energy, intensity, and tactical sharpness, Arsenal’s defensive stability continues to impress, even amid injury crises — a testament to the Argentine coach’s impact on the Premier League leaders.

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