Virat Kohli only Indian player in Forbes list of highest paid athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo on top Virat Kohli only Indian player in Forbes list of highest paid athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo on top âThe Vast Majority Of His Income, However, Comes From One Of The Sports Worldâs Most Impressive Sponsorships Portfolios,' Forbes Said. PTI | Updated on: 08 Jun 2017, 01:08:22 PM New York: Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is the sole sportsperson from the country to feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the latest Forbes list topped by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. Kohli, 28, has been ranked 89 th on the 2017 Forbes list of ‘The World’s highest paid athletes’ with a total pay of USD 22 million that includes USD three million from salary and winnings and another 19 million from endorsements.