X-raying 10 highest-paid footballers with combined $945m earnings (2025)

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.

Here is a breakdown of the 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025:

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.