The five highest-paid footballers in the world

He does not only shoot balls into the goal, but also writes himself directly into the history books. Cristiano Ronaldo may

He's not only scoring goals, but also sending himself straight into the history books. Cristiano Ronaldo can now officially call himself the very first football billionaire. Bloomberg estimates his net worth at a staggering €1,2 billion. This puts him at the top of the list of the world's highest-paid footballers. Who's keeping up with him?

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's first billionaire footballer, a record-breaking earner. With an estimated annual income of $275 million, he remains a financial phenomenon at age 40. His second full year with Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr is estimated to earn him $225 million in salary, plus another $50 million in sponsorship and brand revenue. Ronaldo is not only the world's highest-paid footballer but also represents one of the highest earnings ever for a professional athlete in any sport.
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2 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is not only a global sports icon but also a brand in his own right. Messi is the only player in the world whose off-pitch income exceeds his on-pitch salaries. He earns an estimated $125 million a year, $75 million of which comes from off-pitch earnings.

Since joining Inter Miami, he's not only received a $60 million salary but also a unique contract: a revenue share for Apple TV and Adidas, both MLS partners. His arrival has revolutionized the American league, even featuring a special "Messi Cam" during matches. He also has major collaborations with Adidas and the artists Bad Bunny, among others, further enhancing his global influence.
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3. Karim Benzema

After playing alongside Ronaldo for years at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema, like his colleague Ronaldo, opted for the big money in Saudi Arabia in 2023. At Al-Ittihad, he earns an estimated $100 million a year, supplemented by around $16 million in off-field income. His move would allow him to join Ronaldo as one of the highest-paid footballers in the Middle East and also strengthen the Saudi Arabian league's supply of top players.
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4. Kylian Mbappe

The highest-paid player in Europe is Kylian Mbappé. His long-awaited move to Real Madrid came with an annual income of $90 million, approximately $70 million in on-field salary, and $20 million in sponsorship deals.

Mbappé has partnerships with major brands like Nike, Hublot, and Dior. He is seen as the successor to the commercial throne in football long held by Ronaldo and Messi, and at 26, he will represent the new generation.
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5. Neymar Jr.

While his exact position in the rankings is difficult to justify, Neymar Jr. is a must-have. The Brazilian star signed a massive contract with the Saudi club Al-Hilal in 2023, worth $150 million per year.

However, a serious ankle injury prevented Neymar from playing much. In early 2025, he agreed to terminate his contract with the club. Shortly afterward, he returned to his boyhood club Santos FC, where he now plays for a salary of approximately $10 million per year, a conscious career choice prioritizing emotion and purpose over money. His financial situation is not something to worry about, as he has built a substantial fortune in recent years and made many smart investments and deals that will keep him going for quite some time.
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