Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Earnings
Cristiano Ronaldo, the globally renowned football star, has achieved a remarkable financial milestone in 2025. According to a recent report by Sportico, Ronaldo earned approximately $260 million (around £194 million) last year, securing his position as the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes the World’s First Footballer Billionaire
This income is nearly double that of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, highlighting Ronaldo’s continued dominance both on and off the pitch.
Breakdown of Ronaldo’s Income
The majority of Ronaldo’s earnings came from his high-profile contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, which reportedly accounts for $200 million. The remaining income stems from endorsements, sponsorships, and various business ventures.
Ronaldo has consistently ranked among the world’s top earners for nearly a decade, earning at least $100 million annually over the past nine years. Remarkably, 2025 marks the third consecutive year his income has exceeded $200 million, a testament to both his enduring athletic performance and global brand appeal.
Messi’s Earnings and Position
Meanwhile, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi ranked as the third highest-paid athlete worldwide in 2025, with annual earnings of $130 million-approximately half of Ronaldo’s income. Messi recently signed a new contract with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club that won the 2023 MLS Cup, with the deal set to run until 2028.
Although Messi remains one of football’s wealthiest stars, his 2025 earnings highlight the widening financial gap between him and Ronaldo, who continues to leverage both sporting achievements and commercial ventures.
Contract Extensions and Career Longevity
Ronaldo has also extended his contract with Al Nassr, committing to play for the Saudi club until summer 2027. This extension reflects not only his on-field excellence but also his sustained marketability as a global football brand.
Such financial success reinforces Ronaldo’s status as one of football’s most commercially powerful figures. Beyond the pitch, his influence spans advertising, fashion, and lifestyle ventures, ensuring a multi-faceted career that few athletes can rival.
Context: The Rise of Football in Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League contract underscores a broader trend: Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in football. Over recent years, the league has attracted several high-profile international players, using lucrative contracts to raise the league’s global profile. Ronaldo’s presence has further amplified interest, both in terms of sponsorship and media coverage, strengthening the league’s international visibility.
Legacy and Future Prospects
At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to combine professional performance with commercial savvy, maintaining relevance in a sport that often favors younger athletes. His 2025 earnings reflect a balance of athletic achievement and strategic branding, securing him a lasting place among football’s elite earners.
Meanwhile, Messi’s career, now centered in the United States, demonstrates the growing commercial potential of MLS and football’s global expansion beyond traditional European leagues.
Both athletes remain influential figures in football’s global landscape, but for 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo has firmly reclaimed the top spot in global sports earnings, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful and marketable athletes of all time.
