Who Is the World Highest Paid Athlete
The world highest paid athlete is currently Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese soccer forward who plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and leads the Forbes global earnings list with an estimated $275 million in total income before taxes and agent fees. His salary, bonuses, and off field business activities combine to make him the top earner among professional athletes worldwide, ahead of other major stars in basketball, American football, and tennis.
Forbes calculates athlete earnings by adding pretax salary and winnings to estimated off field income from endorsements, business ventures, and equity stakes, using data from contracts, company filings, interviews, and industry estimates, and the ranking reflects income over a specific twelve month measurement window that aligns with the latest published list.
Cristiano Ronaldo Income Sources and Business Activities
Al Nassr Contract and On Field Earnings
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in late 2022 on a multiyear deal that makes him one of the highest paid players in Saudi football history, and his annual salary, match bonuses, and promotional payments from the club form the largest single block of his reported earnings, according to the contract details disclosed in league and club communications.
Off the field, Ronaldo earns substantial income from long term endorsement deals with global brands in fashion, fragrance, and technology, as well as investments in hotels, a media company, and a line of consumer products, with many of these ventures highlighted in business coverage and company filings referenced by financial news outlets.
Comparison With Other Top Earners
Other Athletes Near the Top of the List
Other athletes frequently ranked near the top include basketball and American football stars who earn large salaries from leagues such as the NBA and NFL, plus significant endorsement income from sponsors in sportswear, automotive, and consumer goods, with the latest Forbes athlete earnings list showing how their total income compares to Ronaldo's.
For deeper context on how these rankings are built, the methodology section of the Forbes list explains how salary, winnings, and off field income are estimated and verified, and the article also links to background on the business of professional sports and athlete brand building from trusted financial and sports business sources.