Forbes has released its list of the 10 highest-paid footballers in the world. In 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list.
According to the publication, the top ten players are expected to earn a total of $983 million this season—a record for the list, but only 2% more than the previous year. This figure includes salaries and off-field earnings (from advertising, merchandise, etc.). As noted by Forbes, four players from the top ten represent the Saudi Pro League, three are from the English Premier League, two are from La Liga, and one is from Major League Soccer.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ("Al-Nassr") – $285 million.
Age: 39 / Nationality: Portugal / On-Field: $220 million, Off-Field: $65 million.
2. Lionel Messi ("Inter Miami") – $135 million;
Age: 37 / Nationality: Argentina / On-Field: $60 million, Off-Field: $75 million.
3. Neymar ("Al-Hilal") – $110 million;
Age: 32 / Nationality: Brazil / On-Field: $80 million, Off-Field: $30 million.
4. Karim Benzema ("Al-Ittihad") – $104 million;
Age: 36 / Nationality: France / On-Field: $100 million, Off-Field: $4 million.
5. Kylian Mbappe ("Real Madrid") – $90 million;
Age: 25 / Nationality: France / On-Field: $70 million, Off-Field: $20 million.
6. Erling Haaland ("Manchester City") – $60 million;
Age: 24 / Nationality: Norway / On-Field: $46 million, Off-Field: $14 million.
7. Vinicius Junior ("Real Madrid") – $55 million;
Age: 24 / Nationality: Brazil / On-Field: $40 million, Off-Field: $15 million.
8. Mohamed Salah ("Liverpool") – $53 million;
Age: 32 / Nationality: Egypt / On-Field: $35 million, Off-Field: $18 million.
9. Sadio Mane ("Al-Nassr") – $52 million;
Age: 32 / Nationality: Senegal / On-Field: $48 million, Off-Field: $4 million.
10. Kevin De Bruyne ("Manchester City") – $39 million.
Age: 33 / Nationality: Belgium / On-Field: $35 million, Off-Field: $4 million.