• Home
  • Features & Interviews

Highest-Paid Athletes in the World - Top 10

Editor
Last updated: Tue 01 Apr 2025 15:59

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning $415 million AUD annually. This includes his record-breaking contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr and endorsements. Other notable athletes in the top 10 include Steph Curry, Tyson Fury, and Lionel Messi, demonstrating a diverse representation across football, basketball, boxing, and golf. These figures encompass their total earnings for the 2024 calendar year.

Bets.com.au Staff 01 Apr 2025
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete, earning $415M AUD annually
  • Top 10 includes athletes from football, basketball, boxing, and golf
  • Earnings reflect the 2024 calendar year, with Ronaldo leading due to a record-breaking contract and endorsements
highest-paid athletes
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC celebrates scoring their third goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fayha on February 7, 2025. (Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo received the highest ever football salary when signing for Saudi club Al-Nassr in December 2022 and that contract is worth around $342.7 million (AUD).
  • Highest-Paid Athletes in the World - Top 10

With endorsements and winnings added, the Portuguese forward earns north of $415 million (AUD) per year and that makes the 40-year-old the highest-paid athlete in the world

Four sporting codes are represented for the Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World, which is detailed below.

Highest-Paid Athletes in the World - Top 10


Ranking
Name
Sport
Total Earnings Per Year (AUD)

1Cristiano RonaldoFootball$415.3 million
2Steph CurryBasketball$243.9 million
3Tyson FuryBoxing$234.4 million
4Lionel MessiFootball $215.3 million
5LeBron JamesBasketball $212.3 million
6NeymarFootball$212 million
7Oleksandr UsykBoxing $194.5 million
8Karim BenzemaFootball $184.9 million
9Kylian MbappéFootball $175.4 million
10Jon RahmGolf$168.6 million

The above estimates are for total earnings during the 2024 calendar year. Source: sportico.com

Top Betting Sites

Betting offers

Upcoming Events

11 June 2026

  • South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos -
  • Rugby League
Load More
Hear more from bets.com.au