For over a decade, CR 7-Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of football’s highest-paid and most marketable athletes. From Manchester to Madrid, Turin to Riyadh, his earnings have only grown. But in 2025, with new stars and Saudi millions entering the game, one question arises:
Is CR 7-Ronaldo still at the top of the money game?
The Simple Answer: Yes — and by a Huge Margin
According to Forbes’ 2025 athlete earnings list, CR 7-Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world’s highest-paid footballer and even tops the entire list of global athletes, earning more than stars from basketball, golf, and tennis.
- Total Earnings (2025):$275 million
- On-Field (Al-Nassr Salary): ~$200 million
- Off-Field (Endorsements + CR7 brand): ~$75 million
Why Does Al-Nassr Pay Him So Much?
When Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in late 2022, the football world was stunned—not just by the move, but by the money.
- Reported Salary Package: ~$200 million per year
- Inclusions: Salary, image rights, ambassadorial duties to promote Saudi 2034 World Cup bid
This contract alone made him the highest-earning footballer in history.
His Off-Field Empire Is Just as Powerful
Ronaldo’s income isn’t just about football. He’s a global brand:
- Instagram: Over 630M+ followers
- Charges $2M+ per sponsored post
- CR7 Brand: Clothing, underwear, footwear, perfume, hotels, gyms
- Endorsements: Nike (lifetime deal), Clear, Binance, Herbalife, and more
👉 No active footballer monetizes fame like Ronaldo does.
What About Messi and Mbappé?
| Player | Total Earnings (2025) | Club | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $275 million | Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) | 40 |
| Lionel Messi | ~$135 million | Inter Miami (USA) | 37 |
| Kylian Mbappé | ~$110 million | Real Madrid (Spain) | 26 |
Verdict: Even combined, Messi + Mbappé’s salaries barely beat Ronaldo’s total annual income.
Will He Stay on Top in 2026?
While younger stars like Mbappé, Haaland, and even Jude Bellingham are rising fast in both performance and brand deals, Ronaldo’s dominance in earnings is unlikely to fade soon—unless he retires or drastically changes direction.
Final Takeaway
Cristiano Ronaldo is still the king of football earnings in 2025—and not just by a small gap, but by a massive lead.
Whether you love him or not, Ronaldo has mastered the art of turning talent into a billion-dollar empire.
