Will Cristiano Ronaldo Be Sportico’s Highest-Paid Athlete of 2025?

Many fans excitedly await Sportico to release its list of the highest-paid athletes of the year, which the digital content platform has compiled and published annually since 2021.

The list provides much more than an insight into the net worth of the biggest names in sports, as it is proof of the most acclaimed athletes right now.

After all, the best of the best will command the most money, which is why many sporting superstars have appeared on the list in the past, such as Roger Federer, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Tyson Fury, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

As Cristiano Ronaldo has ranked in the top spot for two consecutive years, many are wondering if he will set the record for a third time at number one.

Keep reading to learn if he is likely to be Sportico’s highest-paid athlete of 2025.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is Likely to Hit the Top Spot

Despite showing much talent in their chosen sports, many of the world’s best athletes have yet to come close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current salary.

While most soccer stars’ careers come to an end during their mid-thirties, the 40-year-old Portuguese striker continues to wow on the pitch and earns an eye-watering $200 million with the Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr.

What’s more, the talented forward will reportedly receive $65 million away from the field in brand partnerships, various business investments, and a lifetime contract with Nike.

Who Could Rival Ronaldo on the List?

As you may have expected, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the only athlete who has secured an incredible sum in 2025.

For instance, Jon Rahm signed a multi-year contract with LIV Golf League in 2023, making him the highest-paid player in golf.

The 30-year-old Spanish golfer is expected to break records in the sport, as he is projected to earn up to $250 million in contracts and prize money.

Also, he has locked in many lucrative sponsorship deals with world-famous brands, including Mercedes, Callaway, and Rolex, and he has secured various endorsement deals.

Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi has continued to prove age is just a number in soccer, as the 37-year-old striker will add to his fortune in 2025.

The world-famous soccer star has been Ronaldo’s lifetime rival for a reason, as he has secured an annual base salary of $20.4 million at Inter Milan, which is currently co-owned by former striker David Beckham.

Messi’s earnings are expected to surpass $135 million thanks to revenue shares from various deals, such as adidas, Apple, and MLS broadcasting rights.

Not to mention, he has long-standing deals with many top brands, such as Pepsi and Budweiser, and he heavily invests in NFTs and real estate.

Speaking of the best of the best, LeBron James is likely to feature on Sportico’s list of the highest-paid athletes, and he could reach the top spot.

The LA Lakers forward will receive an annual salary of $48.7 million for the 2024-25 NBA season.

When he is not making an impact on the basketball court, LeBron earns big money in various endorsement deals, business ventures, and licensing agreements.

For instance, he has signed contracts with Nike, PepsiCo, and DraftKings, and owns shares in the soccer team Liverpool FC and Blaze Pizza. Plus, he owns the media production company SpringHill Company, which currently produces sports documentaries and blockbuster films.

If you believe Cristiano Ronaldo will not be Sportico’s highest-paid athlete of 2025, you could win $400 by betting $100 at 1xBet if it happens.