Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ Richest Footballers List Again

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again secured the top position on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid footballers for the 2025-26 season. This remarkable achievement marks the sixth occasion in the past decade that the Portuguese superstar has led the rankings. Notably, Ronaldo’s earnings have reached an estimated US$280 million (£489 million), making him the first footballer to achieve billionaire status, as recently confirmed by Bloomberg.

Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, earns more than double that of his closest competitor, Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward, now with Inter Miami, is estimated to have earned US$130 million (£226 million), with a significant portion of his income deriving from off-field ventures rather than his playing contract.

Top Earners in Saudi Arabia

The list is notable for the presence of three players currently based in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the league’s growing financial influence. Following Ronaldo and Messi is French striker Karim Benzema, who boasts an annual income of US$104 million (£181 million) from his lucrative deal with Al Ittihad.

Another player from the Saudi league is Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, who earns an estimated US$54 million (£94 million) annually. Mane, a teammate of Ronaldo’s at Al Nassr, demonstrates the increasing appeal of the Saudi Pro League as it attracts top talent from around the globe.

The success of these players highlights not only their individual talents but also the shifting dynamics of football’s financial landscape, with leagues outside of Europe starting to secure their place in the global sports economy.

As football continues to evolve, Ronaldo’s consistent dominance in earnings serves as a testament to his enduring popularity and marketability both on and off the pitch.