Highest Paid Athletes in 2025
The top sports salaries list for 2025 shows Cristiano Ronaldo leading with estimated total earnings of about $275 million, followed by Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry, according to the latest Forbes ranking of athlete earnings Forbes. The list combines on-field pay, off-field income, and contracts signed with clubs, leagues, and brands.
Most of the highest paid athletes in 2025 come from soccer, basketball, and American football, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Dak Prescott appearing near the top of the Forbes list Forbes. Their salaries reflect a mix of guaranteed contracts, performance bonuses, and large sponsorship deals with global brands.
Top Leagues and Teams Paying the Most
In soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo's salary at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia remains the highest club contract in 2025, while Lionel Messi earns a similar package at Inter Miami Forbes. In the NBA, Stephen Curry's contract with the Golden State Warriors and in the NFL, Dak Prescott's deal with the Dallas Cowboys rank among the largest guaranteed sports salaries in team history.
Major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and Premier League dominate the top sports salaries chart, with teams in Saudi Arabia's Pro League and MLS also appearing high Forbes. Salary caps, revenue sharing, and media deals in each league shape how much teams can pay athletes and how long contracts last.
How Athletes Earn Beyond Base Salary
Top sports salaries in 2025 include large off-field earnings from endorsements, equity stakes, and business ventures, with athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi earning more from brands than from their clubs Forbes. LeBron James and Stephen Curry also build wealth through media companies, investments, and long-term deals with major sponsors.
Performance bonuses, signing bonuses, and equity in teams or startups add to the total compensation of the highest paid athletes, making their total earnings much larger than base salary alone Forbes. In leagues like the NBA and NFL, guaranteed money and player opt-outs shape how athletes negotiate the largest contracts in sports.