Cristiano Ronaldo, previously with Manchester United, is among the most recognized athletes globally since he joined Old Trafford in 2003. His position on the list of the highest-paid athletes has now been disclosed.
Sportico’s rankings cover various sports, including golf and Formula One, placing the 41-year-old third with inflation-adjusted earnings of $2.52 billion.
Without considering inflation, Ronaldo’s reported earnings stand at $2.09 billion, making him the second-highest earner in sports history.
These figures include not only his salary but also bonuses, prize money, endorsements, royalties, memorabilia, book deals, and media fees.
Sportico took into account earnings through 2025 for athletes who have retired, calculating money made during and after their careers.
Ronaldo is one of three footballers on the list, joining Lionel Messi (fifth; $1.99 billion) and former teammate David Beckham (eighth; $1.68 billion).
The list highlights the wealthiest athletes across ten different sports.
NBA icon Michael Jordan tops the list with $4.5 billion in earnings, followed by other stars like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and LeBron James.
With such a legendary career, Ronaldo has earned substantial amounts, especially during the 2021/22 season when he was the Premier League’s highest-paid player, earning £480,000 per week.
His time at Real Madrid also contributed significantly to his wealth, as he was consistently recognized for his outstanding performances.
Additionally, his lucrative partnership with Nike, a leading sports brand, further boosts his earnings.
By 2025, Ronaldo became the first footballer to reach a billion-pound fortune, and his annual salary of £173 million at Al-Nassr is expected to increase his wealth significantly.
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