Canelo Alvarez Ranks Second in 2025’s Highest-Paid Athletes List

Canelo Alvarez has been ranked as the second-highest-paid athlete of 2025, accumulating an impressive $137 million over the year. Despite facing setbacks in the boxing ring, his financial success remains notable. This ranking comes from a combination of fight purses and endorsement deals, as reported by Sportico.

Alvarez kicked off 2025 with a victory over William Scull in May. Although he retained his undisputed super middleweight title, the match was criticized for its lack of excitement. In September, he faced a significant challenge when Terence Crawford, moving up two weight divisions, achieved a surprising points victory over the Mexican champion. This defeat marked one of the year’s most shocking moments in boxing.

Financial Breakdown of Alvarez’s Earnings

Throughout the year, Alvarez’s earnings were primarily generated from his boxing career, with $125 million coming directly from fight purses. Furthermore, he secured an additional $12 million through various endorsement deals. His total earnings positioned him ahead of prominent figures such as soccer star Lionel Messi and NBA icon LeBron James.

Despite his remarkable financial achievements, Alvarez’s earnings still fell short of the top spot. The title of the highest-paid athlete was claimed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned an estimated $260 million in 2025. This staggering amount included $200 million from his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and $60 million from endorsements.

Looking Ahead: Canelo’s Upcoming Fight

Alvarez is preparing for his next bout, scheduled for September 12, 2025, as part of a special event titled “Mexico against the World.” The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Promoter Turki Alalshikh has confirmed Alvarez’s participation, although details regarding his opponent have not yet been disclosed.

“It will be a surprise in Saudi Arabia. Inshallah,” stated Alalshikh regarding the upcoming event.

The anticipation surrounding Alvarez’s return to the ring continues to build, as fans eagerly await to see how he will respond after this year’s challenges. His resilience and ability to draw significant financial backing highlight his status as a major figure in the world of sports.