Ten years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo first became the highest-paid athlete according to Forbes. Since then, he’s played for Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, and now Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Yet, despite all that travel, he remains at the top of the earnings list once again.
Ronaldo earned approximately $300 million over the past year before taxes and fees. This includes $235 million from his contract with Al-Nassr and $65 million from endorsements and other ventures. This marks his fourth consecutive year at number one and the sixth time overall. With this income, he ties Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the largest annual earnings ever recorded by Forbes since it began its list in 1990. Considering inflation, Mayweather’s figure still stands slightly higher.
Ronaldo’s earnings aren’t the only news this year. Other athletes also broke records. Lewis Hamilton made around $100 million, while Shohei Ohtani earned $127.6 million, reclaiming the title of the highest-paid baseball player after a brief reign by Juan Soto.
The total earnings of the top ten athletes hit $1.4 billion this year, an increase from previous years. Back in 2016, when Ronaldo first claimed the top spot, the total was only $635 million. This year, each athlete in the top ten earned at least $100 million for the third year in a row.
While on-field earnings dipped slightly to $902 million, off-field earnings surged to $513 million, just above the previous record. This reflects how athletes are diversifying their income sources. Ohtani, for example, makes most of his money from brand partnerships, highlighting a trend where athletes leverage their fame beyond the field.
Moreover, the age of the top ten athletes is rising. This year’s average age is 37, marking the oldest average ever for this list. This contrasts with the broader ranking of 50 highest-paid athletes, where the average age is 30, with many in their 20s.
Saudi Arabia’s financial influence is also noteworthy. Ronaldo’s earnings in the Saudi league have skyrocketed since his move, and other athletes like Karim Benzema are also cashing in with high salaries in the Pro League. This wave of investment might be under scrutiny soon, as reports suggest the Saudi Public Investment Fund may cut back on funding for ventures like LIV Golf.
In terms of endorsements, Ronaldo remains a powerful figure with partnerships with major brands like Nike and Binance. He’s also ventured into ownership, acquiring a stake in a Spanish soccer club. This move signals his long-term commitment to the sport and possibly the Saudi league.
In conclusion, 2026 has shown how athletes are adapting and thriving financially beyond their playing careers. With rising averages in age and income diversification, the landscape for sports earnings is evolving significantly.
For more on the highest-paid athletes, visit Forbes here.
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