Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes' rich-list for fifth time but Lionel Messi drops two spots: Financial battle between GOATs takes new twist as Kylian Mbappe plummets out of top ten

Forbes have announced their 2025 list of the World's Highest-Paid Athletes, and Al-Nassr star Ronaldo has taken top spot for the fifth-time. As per the report, the Real Madrid legend has earned $225 million (£169.1m) from his on-field footballing activities, while accruing $50 million (£37.5m).

Barcelona legend and the 2022 World Cup winner, Messi, has also kept his place on the 2025 list of Highest-Paid Athletes, however, the Inter Miami star has dropped from third to fifth this year. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has accrued $60 million (£45.1m) from his on-field dealings with the Herons while earning $75 million (£56.3m) from other avenues like brand endorsement and marketing campaigns.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was placed sixth in Forbes' 2024 list, however, he has completely missed out on the Top 10 this year, mainly due to the massive pay cut he took to join Los Blancos from Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, his compatriot Karim Benzema has retained his eighth place on the ladder, earning a total of $104 million (£78.1m).

Ronaldo could see some change in his earnings this summer as reports suggest that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner may be considering leaving Al-Nassr. Meanwhile, Messi's contract with Inter Miami is also set to run out soon, and there may be significant changes to his spot in Forbes' list of Highest-Paid Athletes in 2026.