Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo emerges highest-paid athlete in 2025 with £194mn (approximately Rs 2350cr), beating rival Lionel Messi by far (£97mn; approximately Rs 1175 cr)

The indefatigable 40-year-old football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list of highest-paid athletes in 2025, dwarfing the likes of rival Lionel Messi and boxing star Canelo Alvarez in the process.