TLDR
- Canelo Alvarez earned $137 million in 2025, finishing second on the highest-paid athletes list
- Only Cristiano Ronaldo earned more with $260 million from his Al Nassr contract and endorsements
- Alvarez surpassed Lionel Messi ($130M), Juan Soto ($129.2M), and LeBron James ($128.7M)
- The boxer fought twice in 2025, defeating William Scull but losing to Terence Crawford
- Alvarez will return to the ring September 12, 2026, in Saudi Arabia after elbow surgery
Sources: Boxing247 | Bloody Elbow | VOI
Mexican boxing champion Canelo Alvarez earned $137 million in 2025 to finish as the second highest-paid athlete in the world, according to a new report from Sportico. Only soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list with $260 million in total earnings.
Alvarez’s massive payday came despite a year that included both triumph and defeat in the ring. The 35-year-old fighter surpassed global sports icons including Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Juan Soto on the earnings list.
The vast majority of Alvarez’s income came from fight purses, totaling approximately $125 million. He earned an additional $12 million from endorsement deals and sponsorships.
Messi finished in third place on the list with $130 million in earnings. Baseball player Juan Soto claimed fourth place with $129.2 million, while Lakers star LeBron James rounded out the top five with $128.7 million.
#CaneloAlvarez Lands No. 2 Spot on Sportico’s 2025 Earnings List https://t.co/5ocGtnm4Z7 pic.twitter.com/qJGS45ec4P
— East Side Boxing (@eastsideboxing) January 19, 2026
Two Fights, Mixed Results
Alvarez fought twice in 2025, compiling a record of one win and one loss. In May, he defended his undisputed super middleweight titles against William Scull, winning by unanimous decision in a fight that failed to generate much excitement.
The September showdown with Terence Crawford delivered the shock of the year. Crawford moved up two weight divisions and outboxed the champion over twelve rounds, handing Alvarez one of the most unexpected defeats of his career.
Some reports claimed Alvarez earned up to $150 million for the Crawford fight alone, which was broadcast on Netflix. However, the Sportico figures suggest those reports overstated his actual compensation.
Ronaldo Dominates for Third Straight Year
Cristiano Ronaldo maintained his position at the top of the highest-paid athletes list for the third consecutive year. His $260 million in earnings came primarily from his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
The soccer legend also benefited from lucrative off-field deals connected to the Saudi Pro League. His total earnings were nearly double those of second-place Alvarez.
French striker Karim Benzema, also playing in Saudi Arabia, finished sixth on the list with $115 million in earnings.
Alvarez is scheduled to return to the ring on September 12, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, promoted by Turki Alalshikh, will be themed “Mexico Against the World” to commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day.
The Mexican star has not yet announced his opponent for the September bout. He is recovering from elbow surgery and is expected to remain out of action until that date.
Depending on the outcome and his physical condition, Alvarez could potentially squeeze in a second fight in December 2026. Potential opponents for future bouts include David Benavidez, Hamzah Sheeraz, Christian Mbilli, Chris Eubank Jr., and a rematch with Terence Crawford.
Alvarez’s 2025 earnings demonstrate that despite setbacks in the ring, he remains boxing’s biggest financial draw. His ability to command nine-figure paydays sets him apart from nearly every other athlete in the world, regardless of sport.
