Ronaldo beats Messi again, heads Top 10 highest paid footballers

Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again, proving that at 40, he’s still the biggest name in world football and an unstoppable financial force.

The Portuguese icon sits atop Forbes’ 2025 list of the highest-paid footballers, pulling in a staggering $280 million in total earnings.

Lionel Messi trails in second with $130 million, showing that even though their careers are in their twilight, the Ronaldo–Messi rivalry is still alive and well in the bank accounts.

Together, the top ten footballers earned nearly $1 billion this year, showing just how lucrative the game continues to be across Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the U.S.

At just 18, Lamine Yamal has shattered records to become the youngest player ever on Forbes’ list of football’s top earners.

With $33 million in club earnings and $10 million from sponsorships, the Barcelona prodigy is redefining what stardom looks like for Gen Z.

Fresh off a Euro 2024 victory with Spain, he’s now wearing the iconic Barça No. 10 shirt once donned by Messi himself.

His social media engagement dwarfs that of seasoned stars, averaging over 33 million views per post. With his “304” celebration already trademarked for future merch, Yamal is turning fame into a financial empire before most people finish high school.

Jude Bellingham’s career trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. At just 22, he’s already a Champions League and La Liga winner with Real Madrid and England’s Player of the Year.

Forbes projects his earnings at $44 million, combining a $29 million salary with $15 million in brand deals.

His endorsements with Adidas and Lucozade reflect his clean-cut image, while his advocacy for mental health makes him one of the sport’s most respected young voices.

Despite recovering from shoulder surgery, Bellingham’s influence continues to rise, both as a generational talent and as the face of football’s new moral compass.

Sadio Mané’s move to Al Nassr reunited him with his old teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, and it’s paying off handsomely.

With $50 million in on-field wages and $4 million in endorsements, the Senegalese winger is cashing in on his Middle Eastern adventure.

His humility and faith remain at the core of his identity, and when asked about staying in Saudi Arabia, he simply said, “Inshallah.”

On the pitch, he’s still electric, helping Al Nassr compete for another Saudi title. Off the field, his New Balance partnership and humanitarian work in Senegal continue to elevate his reputation beyond the sport itself.

Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s Egyptian King, smashing record after record. After signing a new contract extension through 2027.

Salah’s $35 million salary and $20 million in endorsement earnings keep him among football’s financial elite.

He’s also a national hero, recently guiding Egypt to World Cup qualification. With deals spanning from Adidas to Pepsi, Salah’s appeal stretches across continents.

His mix of humility and professionalism has made him one of football’s most respected figures, proving that superstardom and discipline can coexist. Even in his thirties, Salah’s brand is thriving as brightly as his left foot in front of goal.

Real Madrid’s Brazilian dynamo Vinicius Jr. continues to dazzle fans and sponsors alike after another season being nominated in the Ballon d’Or.

Earning $40 million from the club and $20 million from brands like Nike, Hugo Boss, and Prada, Vinicius is both a fashion icon and football sensation.

He has scored or assisted in hundreds of matches, but a dip in form has sparked whispers about a possible Saudi move in the future.

Still, at 25, he’s already accomplished more than most players do in a lifetime. His confidence, flair, and charisma make him not just a special player, but a global brand ambassador for the new age of football superstardom.

Erling Haaland’s reign as Manchester City’s unstoppable scoring machine continues, and so do his earnings.

With $60 million from his new nine-year City deal and $20 million from endorsements, Haaland is one of football’s most marketable young stars.

The Norwegian forward’s calm demeanour off the pitch contrasts his ruthless efficiency on it, where he’s already approaching 100 Premier League goals.

Haaland has Nike backing him, plus growing partnerships in Norway, including a seafood promotion campaign and a luggage brand, Db, co-owned by LVMH. Haaland’s brand is as fresh as his finishing — cold, efficient, and built to last a generation.

Kylian Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid finally happened, and while the French superstar’s debut season fell short of a Champions League trophy, his bank account certainly did not suffer.

Earning $70 million from Madrid and another $25 million off the pitch, Mbappé is thriving financially despite a few off-field battles, including a $61 million wage dispute with PSG.

He is investing smartly too, owning major stakes in companies like Loewe, Wristcheck, and even a French football club.

At 26, Mbappé represents football’s future, blending elite performance with business acumen that puts him well on track to become the next global face of the sport once the Ronaldo-Messi era finally fades.

Karim Benzema, the French marksman who once dominated Europe with Real Madrid, is still cashing in big in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad.

The 37-year-old forward’s $100 million on-field earnings and $4 million from sponsorships keep him firmly in the elite bracket. Benzema’s consistency in front of goal has silenced critics who doubted his late-career move to the Saudi Pro League.

He’s hinted at possibly returning to Europe, but for now, the paycheck, and his current form, say otherwise.

Benzema’s partnership deals with Adidas and Assaf Perfumes also show that his commercial appeal remains strong even outside the European spotlight.

Lionel Messi might be winding down his career in Miami’s sunshine, but his financial power shows no signs of decline.

Forbes estimates his total income at $130 million, split between $60 million in on-field earnings and $70 million from endorsements. His off-pitch empire includes Adidas, Mastercard, Lay’s, and his new sports drink, Más+ by Messi.

The Argentine magician has also ventured into hospitality and restaurants, adding business flair to his sporting brilliance.

With Inter Miami reportedly eager to extend his contract through 2026, Messi looks set to continue blending football, family life, and financial finesse in the heart of America’s MLS revolution.

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains football’s most profitable powerhouse, earning an astonishing $230 million from Al Nassr and another $50 million off the pitch.

That includes deals with global giants like Nike, Binance, and Herbalife, as well as his growing CR7 brand empire of hotels, gyms, and luxury watches. Ronaldo’s digital reach is mind-blowing, nearly 1.04 billion followers across platforms, making him the most-followed human on Earth.

He has already conquered Europe’s biggest leagues, won five Ballon d’Ors, and is now chasing his 1,000th career goal while dreaming of one last World Cup run with Portugal.

Whether or not he lifts that trophy, his spot at the financial summit of world football looks untouchable for now.