Football players are not just athletes; they are global icons with immense popularity. Their performances on the pitch have earned them not only respect but also significant incomes.
Clubs offer sky-high salaries to secure the services of these top players, thanks to the massive demand for football entertainment, resulting in substantial revenues from various sources.
These players boast a worldwide fan base, making them sought-after marketing assets with lucrative endorsement deals and personal branding opportunities. Their extraordinary skills set them apart, and clubs are willing to pay a premium to gain a competitive edge.
In this article, let's take a look at the top 10 highest-paid football players in the world and explore their incredible earning power and influence.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 Million)
- Age: 38
- Nationality: Portugal
- Team: Al Nassr
- On-field revenue: $200 Million
- Off-field revenue: $60 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo is now at the top of the list with expected earnings of $260 million.
He moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia earlier this year after leaving Manchester United. Ronaldo is set to make $200 million from playing, and his contract includes bonuses from commercial deals with the club.
While Al Nassr likely bought some of his image rights, Ronaldo still makes a lot from endorsements, such as Nike and Jacob & Co, earning about $60 million each year.
2. Lionel Messi ($135 Million)
- Age: 36
- Nationality: Argentina
- Team: Inter Miami
- On-field revenue: $65 Million
- Off-field revenue: $70 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Lionel Messi is in the second place of our top following his transfer to MLS side Inter Miami.
The Argentina international's presence has not only led to a significant increase in ticket demand and higher prices for Inter Miami but has also impacted other clubs in the MLS.
In October, when Messi was sidelined due to injury, the Chicago Fire set a club attendance record with 62,124 fans at Soldier Field, generating an estimated $7 million to $10 million in revenue, surpassing the total revenue from all their home games in the season.
3. Neymar ($112 Million)
- Age: 31
- Nationality: Brazil
- Team: Al Hilal
- On-field revenue: $80 Million
- Off-field revenue: $32 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Neymar started a new page in his career by making a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal from PSG.
Beyond his football career, he continues to be highly engaged with various sponsors like Puma, Konami, and Red Bull.
Additionally, Neymar recently revealed a collaboration with Team Campline, a Portuguese horse breeding farm.
4. Kylian Mbappe ($110 Million)
- Age: 24
- Nationality: France
- Team: PSG
- On-field revenue: $90 Million
- Off-field revenue: $20 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Kylian Mbappé's decision not to renew his contract with Paris-Saint Germain in Ligue 1 initially strained their relationship, leading to him being excluded from a preseason tour in Japan.
Although things have improved, there are growing rumors that Mbappé wants to join Real Madrid, fulfilling his childhood dream. Los Blancos are reportedly planning to make a strong move for him next summer. However, while staying in Paris, Mbappen remains one of the highest-paid earners in football.
5. Karim Benzema ($106 Million)
- Age: 36
- Nationality: France
- Team: Al Ittihad
- On-field revenue: $100 Million
- Off-field revenue: $6 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Benzema followed his former Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, to join the Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023.
The player had personal reasons to put on paper for this deal, like the importance of playing in a Muslim country.
Furthermore, Benzema has now become one of the most well-paid footballers in the world.
6. Erling Haaland ($58 Million)
- Age: 23
- Nationality: Norway
- Team: Manchester City
- On-field revenue: $46 Million
- Off-field revenue: $12 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Haaland had a fantastic 2022/23 season, breaking the Premier League record with 52 goals in all competitions.
His success has drawn Real Madrid's interest, prompting Manchester City to discuss a new contract with their 23-year-old star, even though he has almost four years left on his current deal.
Besides his on-field achievements, Haaland has a valuable Nike sponsorship and appeared on the cover of the EA Sports FC 2024 video game, which was renamed after EA's FIFA partnership ended.
7. Mohamed Salah ($53 Million)
- Age: 31
- Nationality: Egypt
- Team: Liverpool
- On-field revenue: $35 Million
- Off-field revenue: $18 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Mo Salah was really close to being the most expensive soccer signing in Saudi Arabia, with Al Ittihad offering $190 million, but Liverpool refused the offer, so Salah will stay at Anfield for a further year.
Salah also has a signature Adidas boot and was recently studied by Harvard Business School for his contract negotiations.
8. Sadio Mane ($52 Million)
- Age: 31
- Nationality: Senegal
- Team: Al Nassr
- On-field revenue: $48 Million
- Off-field revenue: $4 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Mané is a highly accomplished soccer player and one of the best ones in Senegal's history with 37 career goals.
Former Liverpool star reached high success while playing alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Currently, he continues his playing spell in Saudi Arabia, serving his best to Al Nassr team in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.
9. Kevin De Bruyne ($39 Million)
- Age: 32
- Nationality: Belgium
- Team: Manchester City
- On-field revenue: $35 Million
- Off-field revenue: $4 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Manchester City fans have finally welcomed back Kevin De Bruyne in action during the 2023/24 campaign during the club's FA Cup meeting against Huddersfield Town on January 7. The player has been in a long-term recovery process before joining the Citizens' squad for the ongoing season.
Despite his absence, the Belgium international has remained one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.
Amid his on-field revenue, De Bruyne has signed an endorsement deal with McDonald's in March, promoting him in Belgium.
10. Harry Kane ($36 Million)
- Age: 30
- Nationality: England
- Team: Bayern Munich
- On-field revenue: $26 Million
- Off-field revenue: $10 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
England national team star Harry Kane is in our top 10 of the highest-paid footballers with a full $36m revenue.
He joined Bayern Munich with a four-year contract this summer after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023.
Kane is also expanding his marketing endeavors, recently partnering with Fanatics for autographs and memorabilia, becoming the first British athlete to do so.
Stats Source: Forbes
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