May 31, 2026
Nassr’s Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo poses with the trophy after winning the Saudi Pro League title at the end of the football match against Damac at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh on May 21, 2026. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
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.
