Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the top spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-earning athletes in the world this year.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo earned a total of $300 million this year, matching the historic record set by boxing star Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015. This is the sixth time Ronaldo has topped the Forbes list, an achievement that ties him with basketball legend Michael Jordan’s record. The only athlete now ahead of Ronaldo is golf star Tiger Woods, who has topped the list 11 times.

Of the $300 million Ronaldo earned, $235 million comes from his salary at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The remaining $65 million came from sponsorships, income generated through his social media influence, and investments such as his 25 percent stake in Spanish second-division club UD Almería.

Second on the list is Mexican boxing star Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez with $170 million — $130 million behind Ronaldo.

Since joining Al Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo’s earnings have been climbing rapidly. After earning $136 million in 2023, $260 million in 2024, and $275 million in 2025, he has now crossed the significant $300 million milestone this year. Forbes notes that Ronaldo has once again proven age is not a major barrier in the financial world of sports.