The eight highest-paid footballers in the world according to Forbes: Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe…

 

The eight highest-paid footballers in the world according to Forbes: Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe… Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes highlights eight footballers among global stars like NBA’s Steph Curry, boxer Tyson Fury, NFL’s Dak Prescott, and golfer Jon Rahm. Leading the footballers are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé. Saudi clubs are driving a shift, offering wages that rival Europe’s top leagues, narrowing the financial gap. Here’s a look at the highest-paid footballers in 2025.

Sadio Mane – £42.66 million

Senegalese star Sadio Mane, now playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, continues to earn big despite stepping away from European football. A major commercial figure and national hero, the former Liverpool and Southampton winger reportedly pockets £650,000 weekly.

After two years in Saudi, Mane could amass £136m tax-free by the end of his contract in 2027.

Vinicius Junior – £43.45 million

Vinicius Junior ranks among the world’s most marketable footballers, yet Forbes places him seventh on their highest-paid list. With growing endorsement deals and a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s attack, Vini Jr.’s spot in the top eight is well-earned. The skillful Brazilian winger, valued at nearly £200m by Transfermarkt, recently signed a £25.27m annual contract. At 24, with two Champions League titles, he’s a prime target for Saudi clubs, though Madrid reportedly set his price at £830m.

Erling Haaland – £48.98 million

The prolific striker, Erling Haaland, has been shattering records and securing massive paydays since his teenage years. Manchester City’s star has risen to global fame with his relentless goal-scoring, fueled by lucrative sponsorships and performance bonuses. For context, when Cristiano Ronaldo was 24, he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009, earning an inflation-adjusted £39m. With enduring partnerships with Nike, Hyperice, and Breitling, Haaland’s marketability is just beginning to soar.

Neymar – £60.04 million

No one’s scoffing at £60 million, but Neymar’s story feels like a case of what might’ve been. The Brazilian superstar dazzled at Barcelona, PSG, and later inked a massive deal with Al Hilal. Yet, injuries cut his lucrative Pro League stint short, leaving millions behind as he returned to Santos. His reported £135,507 monthly earnings at Santos pale compared to his peak, but it’s still a paycheck most of us wouldn’t refuse.

Kylian Mbappé – £71.10 million

Kylian Mbappé earns up to £86.72 per minute at Real Madrid. A 90-minute bath nets him more than the average Spaniard’s monthly wage. At his peak and playing in Europe, Mbappé is one of only three players on this list in their prime, with room for his earnings to soar. Off the pitch, his portfolio grows through deals with Nike, EA Sports, Hublot, and Dior. His next target? The Champions League. Success in Spain could see him rival the list’s top earner by age 30.

Karim Benzema – £82.16 million

Karim Benzema has effortlessly scored 48 goals in 54 appearances in Saudi Arabia. His trophy cabinet boasts five Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and five Club World Cups. The Frenchman claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2022 at age 34, though he narrowly missed out on a World Cup victory. With £82.16 million to his name, Benzema’s stellar career and stunning goals justify every penny earned.

Lionel Messi – £106.65 million

Is Lionel Messi the greatest footballer ever? That’s for you to decide, but his earnings place him second on this list. The Argentine legend requires no introduction, his brilliance beyond words. Opting for Inter Miami over Saudi Arabia, Messi secures £16.12m annually, but his income soars higher. Endorsements from Adidas, PepsiCo, Huawei, and Mastercard nearly double his salary. Plus, he’s clinched a share of Apple TV profits to boost MLS viewership and a future MLS franchise.

Cristiano Ronaldo – £217.25M

Debate who’s the greatest footballer, but Cristiano Ronaldo tops the earnings chart as the highest-paid player. Ronaldo’s financial savvy shines with a lifetime Nike deal reportedly worth $1B. He’s partnered with brands like PepsiCo, Mastercard, Huawei, TAG Heuer, Armani, and Louis Vuitton for hefty sums. His social media presence has netted over £100M, complemented by a portfolio of hotels, properties, and businesses. The game’s most prolific scorer, Ronaldo has 934 goals in over 1,250 matches. From a shy teen signed by Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, he’s won 33 trophies across 23 seasons.