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Ronaldo topped Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list again with $300 million in earnings, ahead of Canelo Alvarez and Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo (X/Al-Nassr)
Cristiano Ronaldo is still winning big, even off the pitch.
At 41 years old, the Al-Nassr FC superstar has once again topped Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, marking the fourth straight year and sixth overall that he has claimed the No. 1 spot.
The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes in 2026, according to Forbes 💰1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $300M2. Canelo Alvarez — $170M3. Lionel Messi — $140M4. LeBron James — $137.8M5. Shohei Ohtani — $127.6M6. Stephen Curry — $124.7M7. Jon Rahm — $107M8. Karim Benzema — $104M9. Kevin… pic.twitter.com/FRM8Yo0uP8
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) May 22, 2026
According to Forbes, Ronaldo earned an estimated $300 million (around €263 million) before taxes and agent commissions over the past year. That figure includes a staggering $235 million from his Al-Nassr contract, while another $65 million came through endorsements, sponsorships, licensing deals and business ventures.
The total matches the all-time record previously set by Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in 2015.
It also moves Ronaldo level with Michael Jordan for the second-most appearances atop Forbes’ rich list with six. Only Tiger Woods, who has led the rankings 11 times, remains ahead.
Ronaldo’s run continues.He’s topped Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list 6 times in his career—now level with Michael Jordan and behind only Tiger Woods, who claimed the crown 11 times.
Inside the $4.1B haul by 2026’s 50 highest-paid athletes:https://t.co/qD1OmUueXF pic.twitter.com/WFTS8dhso8
— Forbes (@Forbes) May 22, 2026
Canelo, Messi And LeBron Follow
Canelo Alvarez secured second place on the list despite enduring a mixed year inside the ring.
The Mexican boxer reportedly earned $170 million even after suffering a high-profile loss to Terence Crawford in their undisputed super middleweight title clash.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi sits third with $140 million after another commercially successful season with Inter Miami CF.
Los Angeles sports icons also dominated the rankings.
LeBron James came in fourth with $137.8 million thanks to his combination of NBA salary, endorsements and business ventures tied to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Just behind him was Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who earned $127.6 million.
Sports Money Keeps Exploding
According to Forbes, the combined earnings of the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes have skyrocketed from $2.6 billion in 2018 to $4.2 billion today.
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