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Big Bucks: Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo join Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods among the top-5 highest-paid athletes of all-time

Major League Soccer

San Jose Earthquakes

Inter Miami CF

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al-Taawoun

<p>Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Al-Nassr FC's Cristiano Ronaldo are among the highest-paid athletes of all-time, joining a list featuring some of sport's biggest names, including NBA legend Michael Jordan and golf star Tiger Woods.</p><p>Ronaldo's earnings total nearly $2 billion, putting him third, while the Argentine isn't far behind at $1.49 billion, which is good for fifth.</p><p>Jordan topped <a href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2025/highest-paid-athletes-all-time-jordan-tiger-ronaldo-1234849240/" target="_blank"><em>Sportico</em>'s</a> list at $4.15 billion, while Woods was second at $2.79 billion. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James came in at fourth at $1.88 billion.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The list includes money earned from salaries and sponsorships, but does not factor in investments. David Beckham, the other soccer star in the top 10, came in at eight, and might have been higher if his ownership in Inter Miami was included. The MLS club is currently <a href="https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2025/mls-team-values-2025-lafc-inter-miami-1234825738/" target="_blank">valued at $1.19B.</a></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Soccer has a relatively small influence on the top 50 list, with just four current or former players making the cut. Basketball leads the way with 13. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The duo figure to remain among sports' top earners. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-lionel-messi-reportedly-nearing-contract-extension-through-2026-season/blt5478459a13f1f706#:~:text=Lionel%20Messi%2C%20Inter%20Miami%20reportedly,2026%20season%20%7C%20Goal.com%20US" target="_blank">Messi is reportedly nearing a one-year contract extension</a> at Inter Miami, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-makes-final-decision-on-al-nassr-future-one-eye-portugal-swansong-2026-world-cup/blta8da34b13119e0aa#:~:text=This%20extension%20will%20keep%20him,States%2C%20Canada%2C%20and%20Mexico." target="_blank">while there is talk of Ronaldo signing a new deal</a> at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND RONALDO?

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo join Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods among the highest-paid athletes of all-time | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo finished third on Sportico&apos;s highest paid athletes of all-time list, while Lionel Messi came in at fifth

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