Ronaldo Reigns Supreme: The 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025
In a financial era where commercial deals and global appeal sometimes out-earn performance on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo once again claims the top spot. According to the latest Forbes ranking, Ronaldo leads the world’s highest-paid footballers in 2025 with a staggering US$280 million in total earnings.
Here’s a look at the full top ten, how they compare, and what this tells us about modern football’s money game.
The Top 10: Who’s Earning What
Rank Player Club / Country Estimated Earnings in 2025
1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) Saudi Pro League / Portugal US$280 million
2 Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) USA / Argentina US$130 million
3 Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) Saudi Arabia / France US$104 million
4 Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) Spain / France US$95 million
5 Erling Haaland (Manchester City) England / Norway US$80 million
6 Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid) Spain / Brazil US$60 million
7 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) England / Egypt US$55 million
8 Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr) Saudi Arabia / Senegal US$54 million
9 Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) Spain / England US$44 million
10 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) Spain US$43 million
Includes salary, bonuses, endorsements, appearance fees and licensing.
Takeaways & Trends
1. Age Is Just a Number
At 40 years old, Ronaldo still dominates, showing that brand appeal and contract leverage can sometimes matter more than the ticking calendar.
2. Saudi Arabia’s Influence Grows
Players like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Mané are benefiting from Saudi Pro League contracts that swap prestige for large paychecks. This shift is reshaping where football’s financial power lies.
3. Endorsements and Off-Field Income
For many at the top (Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema), earnings off the pitch (sponsorships, licensing, business ventures) form a substantial chunk of total income. This marks the increasing importance of brand building.
4. Rise of the Young Talent
Lamine Yamal’s entry into the top ten is particularly notable. At 18, he symbolizes football’s next generation young, commercially viable, and already delivering on the field.
For clubs, leagues, and young aspirants, this ranking underscores that earning potential in football now depends heavily on global footprint, marketability, and off-field dealings, not just goals and trophies. As football becomes more than a game it’s media, fashion, entertainment the players who adapt and build their personal brand will likely see their earnings multiply.
It also raises questions about balance. Will smaller clubs and lesser-known leagues ever compete financially? Will this trend widen the gap between elite players and the rest? For fans, it’s a reminder that behind every shingle, there’s a complex web of contracts, negotiations, and market forces.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s perch at the top in 2025 isn’t surprising but the story isn’t just about him. It’s about how football’s financial ecosystem is evolving. It’s about where the young stars are positioned. It’s about who is smart off the pitch, not just on it.
As this season and world cup unfolds, all eyes will be on how major clubs respond to the spending power of Saudi investments, and which emerging players will break into the elite revenue circle.
