Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2026 after earning an estimated $300 million during the 2025/26 season, according to Forbes.

The publication’s latest ranking shows Ronaldo comfortably ahead of the competition, with his earnings driven by a lucrative contract in Saudi Arabia and a vast portfolio of endorsements and commercial partnerships.

Mexican boxing star Canelo Álvarez ranked second with earnings of $170 million, while Argentine football legend Lionel Messi came third after making $140 million.

Basketball icon LeBron James occupied fourth place with $137.8 million, narrowly ahead of Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, who earned $127.6 million. Ohtani was one of the biggest beneficiaries of off-field deals, generating $125 million from endorsements.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry ranked sixth with earnings of $124.7 million, while Spanish golfer Jon Rahm took seventh place with $107 million.

French striker Karim Benzema was eighth on the list with $104 million, followed by NBA forward Kevin Durant with $103.8 million. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton completed the top 10 with earnings of $100 million.

The full ranking places Cristiano Ronaldo first, followed by Canelo Álvarez, Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Shohei Ohtani, Stephen Curry, Jon Rahm, Karim Benzema, Kevin Durant, and Lewis Hamilton.

Collectively, the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes earned more than $1.4 billion during the season through salaries, prize money, sponsorships, licensing agreements, appearance fees, and business ventures.

Football and basketball dominated the ranking, with three representatives each in the top 10. Ronaldo’s earnings were also nearly $130 million higher than those of second-placed Álvarez, highlighting the immense financial power of global sports superstars.

Vanguard News