Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes List of Highest-Paid Athletes With $300 Million

Cristiano Ronaldo earned an estimated $300 million over the past 12 months, according to Forbes data released May 22, 2026. The total includes $235 million from his contract with Al-Nassr and $65 million from endorsements and other business activities. Ronaldo's earnings tie the record set by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015. Forbes has tracked athlete earnings since 1990.

The ten athletes on the list earned a combined $902 million from salaries, bonuses and prize money. They earned an additional $513 million from sponsorships and other business ventures. Shohei Ohtani recorded the highest off-field earnings at an estimated $125 million. Lewis Hamilton earned an estimated $100 million, exceeding his previous Formula 1 record of $82 million set in 2021.

The average age of athletes on the list is 37.

Three athletes on the list are 41 years old. Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr in June 2025. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced in April 2026 that it would stop funding LIV Golf after the current season.