Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in the World 2025

Nov 17, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the pack as the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning a staggering $280 million. The Portuguese superstar is far ahead of his longtime rival Lionel Messi, who earns around $130 million per year, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old, already ranks among the sport’s wealthiest players.

Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 million

At Al Nassr, Ronaldo earns roughly $230 million from his salary and an additional $50 million from endorsements. His off-field ventures are extensive, including the CR7 brand, hotel chains, gyms, watch lines, and a YouTube channel. He boasts over 1.04 billion social media followers, according to the agency Two Circles.

Lionel Messi – $130 million

Messi earns about $60 million on the field with Inter Miami. Off the pitch, his partnerships with Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard bring in around $70 million. He also launched the sports drink Más+ by Messi and operates a hotel chain called MiM.

Karim Benzema – $104 million

Benzema earns $100 million on the field at Al Ittihad and another $4 million from sponsorships. At 37, he continues to be a major presence both on the pitch and on social media, with millions of Instagram followers.

Kylian Mbappé – $95 million

Mbappé earns about $70 million at Real Madrid and invests heavily off the field. His ventures include stakes in the watch company Wristcheck, sports businesses, and even a sailing team in France.

Erling Haaland – $80 million

The Manchester City forward earns $60 million in salary, with additional income from sponsorship deals, including Nike. He has also invested in a Scandinavian luggage brand.

Vinícius Júnior – $60 million

At Real Madrid, Vini Jr. earns $40 million on the field and $20 million from endorsements. He partners with brands like Nike, Hugo Boss, and Prada Eyewear.

Mohamed Salah – $55 million

Salah brings in $35 million from playing at Liverpool and an additional $20 million from sponsorships. His global brand continues to grow thanks to his popularity and media presence.

Sadio Mané – $54 million

At Al Nassr, Mané earns $50 million on the field and $4 million off it. He maintains a long-term partnership with New Balance, among other ventures.

Jude Bellingham – $44 million

Bellingham earns $29 million at Real Madrid, while his off-field earnings come from Adidas contracts and campaigns promoting mental health, boosting his public profile.

Lamine Yamal – $43 million

At just 18 and playing for Barcelona, Yamal already earns $33 million from football and $10 million from endorsements. He works with brands like Adidas, Beats by Dre, Konami, and Powerade, and has trademarked his signature “304” celebration for merchandising.