Cristiano Ronaldo Outpaces Curry, Messi, LeBron with INR 2,356 Crore in 2025, Tops Forbes for 3rd Year Straight at Age 40

Add as a preferred source on Google

Cristiano Ronaldo has shattered expectations yet again, emerging as the world's highest-paid athlete for 2025 with mind-numbing earnings of $275 million (approx. INR 2,356 crore), as per the latest Forbes rankings. Even at 40, Ronaldo shows no signs of fading into the background.

This is his third consecutive and fifth overall time leading the list, outstripping contemporaries like Curry ($156 million), Fury ($146 million), Messi ($135 million), and James ($133.8 million). The Portuguese forward’s colossal paycheque is largely backed by his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, as well as powerhouse endorsements from Nike, Herbalife, and Binance.

With a social media presence nearing a billion followers, his brand remains a magnet for global attention. In parallel, a new chapter quietly begins; his 14-year-old son, Cristiano Jr., has made his international debut for Portugal’s U-15 side.

Ronaldo's Financial Command Is Untouched

Ronaldo’s financial dominance this year isn’t just impressive; it’s difficult to rival. His earnings far exceed those of fellow icons, reaffirming his unusual staying power in a business that often forgets its veterans. His contract with Al-Nassr is reportedly one of the most lucrative in football history, yet it’s only one part of his empire.

Commercially, Ronaldo has mastered the game. Nike, Herbalife, and Binance are just a few of the global brands tied to his name. Add to that his social media reach, nearing a billion, and you have an athlete whose influence goes far beyond the pitch.

It’s not just individual success either. The collective income of the top ten athletes this year touched $1.38 billion, a figure that hints at a broader economic shift: athletes are now brands unto themselves, and Ronaldo remains the blueprint.

Cristiano Jr. Wears No. 7 and Steps onto the International Stage

While Ronaldo continues to break records in the financial world, another family milestone unfolded in Croatia. Cristiano Jr., aged 14, made his first appearance for Portugal’s U-15 national team, entering in the 54th minute during a dominant 4-1 win against Japan. The number on his back? Seven. The same number that defined his father’s career.

His debut wasn’t lost on European scouts either. Representatives from elite clubs kept a close eye on the young forward’s performance. In the stands was his grandmother, Maria Dolores Aveiro, visibly proud as she watched another Ronaldo begin his footballing story.

Cristiano Jr. is currently playing with Al-Nassr’s youth team, following in his father’s footsteps in Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, he had stints at youth academies at Manchester United and Juventus—both clubs that were once home to Ronaldo himself.

Ronaldo Acknowledges His Son’s Moment

Ronaldo didn’t let the moment pass quietly. He took to social media, writing, “Congratulations! Proud of you,” next to images of his son in the Portuguese kit. For a man who’s led Portugal to UEFA Euro 2016 glory and scored 136 international goals, this was a moment of deeply personal pride.

The elder Ronaldo, a relentless competitor on the pitch and an immovable figure in the global sports economy, now begins to watch the emergence of the next generation. Whether Cristiano Jr. can carry the weight of the name is a question only time can answer. But one thing is already certain: this legacy has only just begun.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in the article has been sourced from various public sources. myKhel does not take responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or verification of this information.