Cristiano Ronaldo among the highest-paid athletes of 2026: topping the ranking

For the third consecutive year, Cristiano Ronaldo has solidified his status as the highest-paid athlete on the planet. According to the latest annual report by Sportico, the Portuguese icon continues to defy age and market trends, leading the 2026 ranking with a staggering total income of $260 million. While Ronaldo’s dominance is expected, the list features significant shifts, including a historic climb by Mexican boxing legend Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez and the massive financial impact of the MLB's latest contracts.

Ronaldo’s earnings are divided into a massive $200 million salary from Al-Nassr and approximately $60 million from his global brand ventures. Expert Ivan Martinho, a sports marketing professor at ESPM, notes that Ronaldo is no longer just a player but a "world-spanning brand capable of creating value in any market."

Following closely is Canelo Álvarez, who claimed the #2 spot with $137 million. Unlike Ronaldo, the bulk of Canelo's wealth comes from his massive "on-field" (or in-ring) earnings, totaling $125 million from fight purses and pay-per-view points, with an additional $12 million in endorsements. Rounding out the podium is Lionel Messi, whose $130 million income is uniquely balanced; while his Inter Miami salary is lower than his peers', his commercial power remains unrivaled, bringing in $70 million from sponsors like Adidas and Apple.

The 2026 report highlights a radical shift in where the money is coming from. Saudi Arabia’s influence is undeniable, with five soccer players entering the Top 20. Most notably, Karim Benzema occupies the #6 spot with $115 million, proving that the Saudi Pro League is now a permanent fixture in the global financial hierarchy.

Simultaneously, the MLB has made a thunderous return to the top of the charts. Juan Soto shocked the sporting world by ranking #4 with $129.2 million, largely due to his record-shattering contract with the New York Mets. He is followed by Shohei Ohtani (#8, $102.5 million), who continues to be the most marketable figure in baseball history, earning a record $100 million in endorsements alone despite a heavily deferred salary.

In terms of league representation, the NBA remains the ultimate money-making machine. A record 40 basketball players feature in the Top 100 list, led by veterans LeBron James ($128.7 million) and Stephen Curry ($105.4 million). The NFL follows with 22 representatives, showing the continued growth of American football’s domestic market.

From a Latin American perspective, Brazil continues to produce financial giants. Neymar sits at #30 with $60 million, while Vinícius Jr. follows at #34 with $58 million. Sources close to "Vini" emphasize that his value transcends the pitch; his fierce opposition to racism and his philanthropic work have turned him into a social icon, attracting brands that value purpose over mere performance.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes Sportico:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – US$ 260 millones

2. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez – US$ 137 millones

3. Lionel Messi – US$ 130 millones

4. Juan Soto – US$ 129,2 millones

5. LeBron James – US$ 128,7 millones

6. Karim Benzema – US$ 115 millones

7. Stephen Curry – US$ 105,4 millones

8. Shohei Ohtani – US$ 102,5 millones

9. Kevin Durant – US$ 100,8 millones

10. Jon Rahm – US$ 100,7 millones