Forbes 2025: Who Is Highest-Paid Football’s Players ?

Forbes 2025: Ronaldo and Messi Still Rule as Football’s Highest-Paid Players 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain at the top of the football earnings list in 2025, according to Forbes. Despite being 40 and 38 years old respectively, they continue to dominate both on and off the pitch.

Ronaldo leads by a huge margin, earning €239 million ($280 million) per year—more than double
Messi’s €111 million ($130 million). Most of his income comes from his Al-Nassr contract and global brand deals under CR7. Messi, playing for Inter Miami, combines his MLS salary with lucrative sponsorships.

Karim Benzema follows with €89 million ($104 million) from Al-Ittihad, while Europe’s top earners include Kylian Mbappé (€81 million), Erling Haaland (€68 million), and Vinícius Jr (€51 million).

The list continues with Mohamed Salah (€47 million), Sadio Mané (€46 million), and Real Madrid’s rising star Jude Bellingham (€38 million). Making a stunning debut, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal earns €37 million, securing his spot among football’s financial elite.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025 (Forbes):

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280M (€239M)

2. Lionel Messi – $130M (€111M)

3. Karim Benzema – $104M (€89M)

4. Kylian Mbappé – $95M (€81M)

5. Erling Haaland – $80M (€68M)

6. Vinícius Jr – $60M (€51M)

7. Mohamed Salah – $55M (€47M)

8. Sadio Mané – $54M (€46M)

9. Jude Bellingham – $44M (€38M)

10. Lamine Yamal – $43M (€37M)