Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king of football finances, heading an elite group of ten players whose combined earnings for 2025 total an astonishing $945 million, according to Forbes lates list.
The 40-year-old Portuguese icon tops the rankings for the sixth time in a decade, powered by his mega-deal in the Saudi Pro League. While legends like Ronaldo and Messi continue to dominate, two young phenoms are signalling a generational shift in the sport’s financial hierarchy.
Cristiano Ronaldo — $280 million
The 40-year-old Portuguese legend remains the world’s highest-paid footballer, earning a total of $280 million this year.
On-field earnings: $230m from Al-Nassr
Off-field earnings: $50m from endorsements and business ventures
Ronaldo’s global brand — boasting over one billion social media followers — keeps him at the summit for the sixth time in a decade.
Lionel Messi — $130 million
Inter Miami’s talisman continues to shine in the MLS, pulling in $130 million in total earnings.
On-field earnings: $60m
Off-field earnings: $70m
Messi’s partnerships with Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard make him the only MLS-based player on this list.
Karim Benzema — $104 million
Now leading Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema earns around $104 million this season.
On-field earnings: $100m
Off-field earnings: $4m
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid for one of football’s most lucrative contracts.
Kylian Mbappé — $95 million
The French superstar continues to combine elite performance with savvy investments.
On-field earnings: $80m
Off-field earnings: $15m
Mbappé holds stakes in companies like Loewe and owns 80% of French club Caen, positioning himself for life beyond football.
Erling Haaland — $80 million
Manchester City’s goal machine earns $80 million annually.
On-field earnings: $60m
Off-field earnings: $20m
The Norwegian striker’s Nike deal and Premier League dominance make him one of football’s most marketable athletes.
Vinícius Júnior — $60 million
Real Madrid’s Brazilian star pockets $60 million, thanks to both his club salary and major brand deals.
On-field earnings: $45m
Off-field earnings: $15m
He’s partnered with Nike, Hugo Boss, and Prada Eyewear — and continues to rise as a global football icon.
Mohamed Salah — $55 million
Liverpool’s Egyptian star remains one of the Premier League’s biggest earners at $55 million.
On-field earnings: $45m
Off-field earnings: $10m
Salah’s leadership helped Egypt qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and his global appeal remains unmatched in Africa.
Sadio Mané — $54 million
The Senegalese forward earns $54 million, mostly from his deal with Al-Nassr.
On-field earnings: $50m
Off-field earnings: $4m
Despite leaving Europe, Mané’s star power and philanthropy keep him among football’s elite earners.
Jude Bellingham — $44 million
The English midfielder’s meteoric rise continues at Real Madrid with $44 million in earnings.
On-field earnings: $35m
Off-field earnings: $9m
After winning the Champions League and La Liga, Bellingham signed partnerships with Adidas and Louis Vuitton.
Lamine Yamal — $43 million
At just 18, Barcelona’s prodigy enters the top 10 with $43 million in earnings.
On-field earnings: $33m
Off-field earnings: $10m
Yamal recently signed a new contract, took over Barça’s iconic No. 10 shirt, and landed deals with Adidas, Beats by Dre, and Powerade. (Business Day)
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