Hamilton and Verstappen Make Forbes Top 25 Highest-Paid Athletes List

According to Forbes, Formula 1 icons Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have secured their places among the Top 25 highest-paid athletes globally in 2025.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton shares 22nd place with Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez, both earning $80 million in total. The British driver collected $60 million from his racing salary and another $20 million through endorsements and commercial activities.

Verstappen Follows Close Behind in 24th Place

Current F1 champion Max Verstappen ranks 24th with $78 million in earnings. Most of his income — around $72 million — stems from his Red Bull Racing salary and performance bonuses, while the remaining $6 million comes from sponsorship deals and merchandise sales.

Ronaldo Tops the List for Third Straight Year

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continues his reign at the top of the list with $275 million, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world for the third year running.

In second place is NBA star Stephen Curry with $156 million, followed by British boxer Tyson Fury in third with $146 million.

Russell Wilson Closes the List, Highlighting Earnings Growth

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson ranks 25th, earning $53.6 million. Notably, Forbes points out that this figure would have ranked him 6th just eight years ago, highlighting the massive increase in elite athlete salaries over the past decade.