2025: The World’s 10 Highest-Paid Footballers

The battle to rank among the world’s highest-paid footballers in 2025 is more intense than ever. From Saudi Arabia’s lavish clubs to Europe’s elite teams, global stars are earning record-breaking sums that continue to reshape football’s financial landscape.

Leading the pack, as expected, is Cristiano Ronaldo—but a rising generation of stars is fast closing the gap, redefining both the sport and its economics.

Ronaldo, long considered one of football’s richest players, once again tops the list of global earners. Together, the world’s top ten footballers are set to make an astonishing $945 million this season. Yet, as the Portuguese legend approaches the twilight of his career, a new wave of players is emerging to carry the torch forward.

Earlier this year, speculation mounted that Ronaldo, now 40, might finally retire after leading Portugal to another UEFA Nations League triumph. But true to his competitive nature, he quashed those rumours by signing a new two-year deal with Al Nassr.

> “I’m still performing at a high level and helping both my club and country,” Ronaldo told Canal 11 in October. “So why stop now?”

It’s difficult to argue with him—especially when the numbers tell the story. According to Forbes, Ronaldo will earn $230 million from Al Nassr during the 2025–26 season, including bonuses and commercial incentives. When combined with an estimated $50 million from endorsements with Nike, Binance, and Herbalife, his total income climbs to $280 million before taxes and agent fees.

That figure cements Ronaldo’s status as football’s top earner for the sixth time in ten years—matching his on-field consistency. In fact, among all athletes tracked by Forbes since 1990, only Floyd Mayweather has ever surpassed that annual figure.

Following Ronaldo is Lionel Messi, whose $130 million income from Inter Miami secures second place. Collectively, the top ten players will take home $945 million, with Lamine Yamal—Barcelona’s teenage sensation—closing out the list at $43 million, up from last year’s $39 million threshold.

The Changing of the Guard

Last year, Neymar ranked third with $110 million, mostly from his short-lived stint at Al Hilal. After terminating his contract and returning to Santos in Brazil, his earnings have dropped to $38 million—proof that even superstars aren’t immune to football’s shifting fortunes.

Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne slipped off the list following his move to Napoli. Despite a record $4 billion Premier League transfer window, the highest earners remain largely unchanged—eight of the top ten stayed with their current clubs.

Behind Ronaldo and Messi sits Karim Benzema ($104 million, Al Ittihad), followed by Kylian Mbappé ($95 million, Real Madrid). Erling Haaland, Vinícius Jr., and Mohamed Salah make up the next tier, while Sadio Mané, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal round out the list, symbolizing the sport’s bright future.

Youth Revolution Takes Over

One of the most notable trends this year is the surge of youthful talent. Half of the top ten are 29 or younger, the youngest lineup since 2020. For the first time in five years, the average age has dipped below 30—a clear sign that the next generation has already arrived.

Leading this youth movement are Jude Bellingham (22) and Lamine Yamal (18), whose rapid rise gives La Liga a slight edge with four players on the list, ahead of the Saudi Pro League’s three and the Premier League’s two. Messi remains MLS’s lone representative.

Despite the emerging competition, Ronaldo remains football’s undisputed financial king—for now. But the new generation isn’t waiting for him to pass the baton; they’ve already stepped into the spotlight.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 million (Al Nassr)

On-field: $230 million | Off-field: $50 million

At 40, Ronaldo continues to defy time, with eyes on his 1,000th career goal—just 52 away—and a potential World Cup win with Portugal in 2026.

Off the pitch, his CR7 brand thrives, encompassing hotels, gyms, watches, and his UR Cristiano YouTube channel (77M subscribers). Across all platforms, he commands 1.04 billion followers, more than anyone else on Earth.

2. Lionel Messi – $130 million (Inter Miami)

3. Karim Benzema – $104 million (Al Ittihad)

4. Kylian Mbappé – $95 million (Real Madrid)

5. Erling Haaland – $82 million (Manchester City)

6. Vinícius Jr. – $76 million (Real Madrid)

7. Mohamed Salah – $68 million (Liverpool)

8. Sadio Mané – $52 million (Al Nassr)

9. Jude Bellingham – $45 million (Real Madrid)

10. Lamine Yamal – $43 million (Barcelona)