Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the world’s highest-paid athletes list in 2025, maintaining his dominance at the summit of global sports earnings. Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has surged to second place, overtaking Lionel Messi, as the latest rankings reveal major shifts among elite athletes. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to hold the title of the highest-paid athlete in the world, surpassing Saul Canelo Alvarez in second place and Lionel Messi in third. Despite suffering a defeat, the guaranteed earnings from this fight propelled him to second place. Soto's impressive rise has pushed LeBron James down to fifth place, making James the highest-ranked American athlete on the list.

Source: dna January 15, 2026 10:08 UTC