List Of Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers In The World In 2025: Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Lionel Messi- Check Who Tops The List

Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers In The World: By 2025, football has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with some of the best players in the world making enormous sums of money on and off the field. These athletes are some of the wealthiest sports celebrities in the world, receiving everything from match salaries, signing bonuses and performance awards to major brand endorsements and private business endeavours. In addition to their amazing abilities on the field, players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Cristiano Ronaldo are well-known worldwide and have significant financial influence off it.

Nowadays, a lot of football players are relocating to leagues where clubs offer record-breaking contracts, such as the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer. In the meantime, European star footballers continue to make a lot of money through personal brand deals, social media influence and sponsorships. Let us tell you that Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid football player in the world with approximately 275 million dollars per annum, followed by Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, who ranks in second place in earnings with close to 135 million dollars.

List Of Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers In The World By 2025

In this article, we will be learning about the top 10 highest-paid football players in the world in 2025, taking into account both their on-field earnings and off-field revenue from sponsorships, advertisements and business endeavours. These athletes have become worldwide celebrities by transforming their skills into wealth. Let's see who is making the most money in football right now!

Source: Statista and Forbes

1. Cristiano Ronaldo 

As of 2025, Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo is still the highest-paid football player in the world, taking home about $275 million from his club salary and endorsement deals. Ronaldo plays football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and in addition to his enormous salary, he makes a lot of money from brand endorsements, social media, and business endeavours like CR7 clothing and a hotel.

Ronaldo Vs Messi, Who is the highest paid (Image: Youtube)

2. Lionel Messi 

Lionel Messi, an Argentine footballer, makes approximately $135 million from football and sponsorships in a year. His contract with Apple TV and other sponsors like Adidas has allowed his earnings to soar since he joined Inter Miami. Messi, who makes a good living off the field, is still one of the most important football players in the world.

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3. Karim Benzema 

French footballer Karim Benzema, who currently plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, makes $104 million annually. He received a huge pay increase when he moved from Real Madrid to the Saudi Pro League. He also makes money from appearances and brand endorsements.

Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé (Image: Reuters)

4. Kylian Mbappé 

Kylian Mbappé, a young French soccer superstar who recently joined Real Madrid, makes about $90 million. A big part of his earnings comes from salary, bonuses and image rights. Mbappé's wealth is increased by his endorsements of well-known companies like Hublot and Nike.

5. Neymar 

Brazilian footballer Neymar returned to Santos after leaving Al Hilal, where he continues to make an astounding $76 million a year. In addition to his football salary, he has lucrative contracts with companies like Red Bull and Puma. Neymar is still regarded as a world football legend despite his injuries.

Neymar, Erling Haaland (Image: Reuters)

6. Erling Haaland

Manchester City's goal machine, Erling Haaland, who belongs to Norway, earns $62 million annually. In addition to receiving a large salary, he benefits from endorsement agreements with sports nutrition companies and Nike. His steady performance and popularity with young people increase his income.

7. Vinícius Jr. 

Vinícius Jr., a Brazilian star, makes about $55 million a year from sponsorships and his increasing influence at Real Madrid. He has signed contracts with Nike and other international companies thanks to his speed and skill, making him one of football's rising earners.

Vinicus Junior, Sadio Mane (Image: Reuters)

8. Sadio Mané 

Now with Al Nassr, Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané makes roughly $54 million. Along with endorsements and a substantial club salary, the Senegalese star enjoys respect both on and off the field. Additionally, he contributes to numerous charitable endeavours, which enhances his favourable reputation.

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9. Mohamed Salah 

Liverpool's Egyptian footballer, Mohamed Salah, makes about $27 million a year. Despite receiving a good salary from football, he makes a significant portion of his income from advertisements and endorsement deals with companies like Pepsi and Adidas. In Africa and the Middle East, he enjoys immense popularity.

Mohammad salah, Kevin De Brunye (Image: reuters)

10. Kevin De Bruyne 

Kevin De Bruyne, a Belgian footballer, is a midfield maestro for Manchester City, earns roughly $26 million annually. In addition to his salary, he receives income from partnerships with EA Sports and Nike. He continues to rank among football's highest earners thanks to his steady play.