Recently, the beautiful game turned into the richest game. Football players salaries have gone through the roof, sponsorships are everywhere, and players are worldwide marketing phenomena. From Saudi Arabia to Miami, the world’s biggest stars signed eye-watering deals totaling $900 million last year, according to Forbes’ October report, making Hollywood look cheap.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Still reigning supreme, Cristiano Ronaldo is football’s highest earner, pulling a mind-blowing $280 million this year. Most of that comes from his massive deal with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where his salary alone dwarfs what many entire clubs make. Add to that his global brand — CR7 — which includes hotels, gyms, fragrances, and even his own museum, and you’ve got a man who practically prints money. At 40, Ronaldo isn’t getting any older. He’s still scoring goals, selling jerseys, and breaking records on and off the field.
Lionel Messi
Coming in second with around $130 million, Lionel Messi is still living the dream in sunny Miami. His move to Inter Miami made Major League Soccer must-watch television, and his endorsements with Adidas, Apple, and Konami keep the dollars rolling in.
Karim Benzema
Thanks to his record-breaking move to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema ranks third on the list with around $104 million. He may not be as flashy as Messi or Ronaldo, but he’s quietly building serious wealth. His understated personality hides the fact that he’s among the world’s highest-paid athletes, a testament to how far Saudi clubs are willing to spend to attract global stars.
Kylian Mbappé
At just 26, Kylian Mbappé already sounds like a veteran, and now that he’s officially joined Real Madrid, the paychecks are next level. He’s earning an estimated $95 million, with some of it coming from sponsorships with Nike and EA Sports. Mbappé’s brand power, confidence, and flair make him the face of football’s future.
Erling Haaland
The Manchester City striker made around $80 million this year, and he’s worth every penny. Between his insane goal record, focus, and sponsorship contracts with Puma, EA Sports, and Rolex, Haaland is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete. Cool on the field, cool off of it and clearly, he knows his worth!
Vinícius Júnior
Vinícius Júnior, the dancing Brazilian from Real Madrid, pockets roughly $60 million this year. He’s also lighting up global campaigns for Nike and Beats by Dre. Vini’s infectious energy and flair have made him one of the most marketable football players. With his performances getting better each season, don’t be surprised if he climbs even higher next year.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is one of the Premier League’s high-paid football players, earning around $55 million this year. With his lucrative club contract and sponsorships with Adidas, Pepsi, and Vodafone, Salah has built an empire of his own. His personality, along with his superstar talent, has made him a brand favorite across continents.
Sadio Mané
Another African legend making bank, Sadio Mané earns around $54 million playing alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. But what sets Mané apart isn’t his wealth, it’s how he uses it. He’s built schools, hospitals, and community centers back in Senegal, proving that being rich doesn’t mean forgetting your roots.
Jude Bellingham
At only 22, Jude Bellingham is already earning $44 million per year at Real Madrid. The Birmingham youngster has completed the move from wonderkid to one of the world’s most valuable players, and brands are taking notes. Adidas and EA Sports endorsements add millions to his salary, but it is his maturity and composure that make him a marketer’s dream.
Lamine Yamal
Lastly, 18 year old Lamine Yamal cracks the top 10 with estimated earnings of $43 million. He plays for Barcelona, and the Spanish teenager is already the face of Adidas and Beats by Dre campaigns.
So, what’s the big picture here? Football has officially entered its billionaire era. The Saudi Pro League has changed the rules of the game, the MLS is riding the Messi wave, and social media has turned footballers into full-blown global brands. Ronaldo still reigns supreme, Messi’s legacy is untouchable, and young guns like Mbappé, Haaland, and Yamal are already redefining what it means to be a star. If this trend continues, and it will, don’t be surprised when we start seeing football players earning half a billion dollars per year by the time 2030 comes along. Football’s no longer merely the world’s most popular sport — it’s the world’s most profitable show!
