💲 World’s Highest-Paid Footballer (Forbes)

Summary

Ranking among the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes has never been an easy feat, but with the threshold for inclusion rising to $53.6 million this year—up an eye-popping 19% from 2024’s record-tying $45.2 million, and nearly double 2017’s $27.2 million—landing a spot on the exclusive list is harder than ever. Just eight years ago, that minimum payday would have been good enough for No. 6 overall.

Instead, sixth place on the 2025 financial leaderboard belongs to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, with an estimated $133.8 million over the past 12 months (before taxes and agent fees). And even James’ massive haul is nowhere near this year’s No. 1, soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, at $275 million—the third-best year for an active athlete ever measured by Forbes.

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