Cristiano Ronaldo Tops the List of the World’s Highest-Paid Football Players
In an exhaustive analysis, it has been revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo continues to lead the list of the highest-earning footballers globally. The Portuguese star, currently with Al Nassr, once again consolidates himself at the top of this ranking.
The Forbes annual report highlights the earnings of the world’s ten highest-paid soccer players, taking into account projected earnings for the 2025-26 season. This includes base salaries, bonuses, and image rights deals.
Ronaldo, who recently signed a new two-year contract with the Saudi club Al Nassr, is estimated to receive a total of $280 million before taxes and commissions. Of this figure, $230 million corresponds to his salary on the field and $50 million to off-field income.
The captain of the Portuguese national team, who has expressed his desire to continue playing football, leads this ranking for the sixth time in the last decade.
Lionel Messi, from Inter Miami, is positioned in a distant second place with estimated earnings of $130 million, of which $70 million come from off-field agreements.
One of the surprises on this list is the inclusion of Lamine Yamal, the young Barcelona prospect. At just 18 years old, Yamal becomes the youngest footballer to appear on this list in its 22-year history.Cristiano Ronaldo was recently named the first billionaire footballer by Bloomberg.Karim Benzema rises to third place, with estimated earnings of $104 million.
Erling Haaland from Manchester City and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool complete the top five list, with $80 million and $55 million respectively.
Ronaldo scores 2 goals to set a scoring record in the World Cup qualifiers.
Real Madrid has three representatives in the top 10: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate, Sadio Mané, is in eighth place.
In total, the ten highest-paid soccer players will earn record revenues worth $945 million this season, a decrease of almost 4% compared to $983 million the previous year.
Neymar, who was third on last year’s list, has been left off the ranking after leaving Al Hilal.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Players According to Forbes 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo – $280m (On the field: $230m, Off the field: $50m)
Lionel Messi – $130m (On the field: $60m, Off the field: $70m)
Karim Benzema – $104m (On the field: $100m, Off the field: $4m)
Kylian Mbappé – $95m (On the field: $70m, Off the field: $25m)
Erling Haaland – $80m (On the field: $60m, Off the field: $20m)
Vinícius Júnior – $60m (On the field: $40m, Off the field: $20m)
Mohamed Salah – $55m (On the field: $35m, Off the field: $20m)
Sadio Mané – $54m (On the field: $50m, Off the field: $4m)
Jude Bellingham – $44m (On the field: $29m, Off the field: $15m)
Lamine Yamal – $43m (On the field: $33m, Off the field: $10m)
