Login Login
try it, it’s free
iStock-471099532-e1741694240324.jpg?w=1024&h=575&scale

The Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers in the World

14/03/2025

The Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers in the World

At the highest level, football is as much about financial power as it is about skill and competition. The highest paid footballers not only command massive wages from their clubs but also earn millions from sponsorship deals, image rights, and other endorsements. With the rise of the Saudi Pro League, wages have soared to unprecedented levels, challenging Europe’s dominance in football finance. In this article, we break down the highest paid footballers in the world, focusing on their weekly wages, total earnings, and what makes them so valuable.

The Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers in the World

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo (£3.4m per week)
  2. Lionel Messi (£2.5m per week)
  3. Neymar Jr. (£2m per week)
  4. Karim Benzema (£1.6m per week)
  5. Kylian Mbappé (£1.2m per week)
  6. Kevin De Bruyne (£1m per week)
  7. Mohamed Salah (£950k per week)
  8. Erling Haaland (£875k per week)
  9. Robert Lewandowski (£800k per week)
  10. Sadio Mané (£750k per week)

Image of Cristiano Ronaldo in Al Nassr kit, the world's highest paid footballer, earning £3.4m per week.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (£3.4m per week)

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest paid footballer in the world. His move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023 saw his earnings skyrocket, setting a new benchmark for player salaries. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to dominate both on and off the pitch, leveraging his global brand to secure lucrative deals.

  • Total annual earnings: Over £173m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Nike, Herbalife, Binance, Clear, and CR7-branded products.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Global marketability and record-breaking career.
Image of Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami, one of the highest paid footballers, earning £2.5m per week.

2. Lionel Messi (£2.5m per week)

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 was a game-changer, not just for Major League Soccer but also for his bank balance. His deal includes a unique revenue-sharing arrangement with Apple and Adidas, making him one of the highest paid footballers ever.

  • Total annual earnings: Around £110m, including endorsements.
  • Major sponsors: Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, Saudi Tourism.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Global icon status and brand partnerships.
Image of Neymar Jr. in Al Hilal colours, ranked among the highest paid footballers with a £2m per week salary.

3. Neymar Jr (£2m per week)

Neymar’s switch to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia significantly boosted his wages, making him one of the world’s highest paid footballers. Though injuries have hampered his career, his commercial appeal remains strong, thanks to his flair and off-pitch charisma.

  • Total annual earnings: Over £95m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Puma, Red Bull, PokerStars, Qatar Airways.
  • Key reason for high earnings: One of the most marketable Brazilian athletes ever.
Image of Karim Benzema playing for Al Ittihad, one of the highest paid footballers, earning £1.6m per week.

4. Karim Benzema (£1.6m per week)

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid for Al Ittihad, securing a contract that made him one of the highest paid footballers globally. The French striker remains a clinical goal scorer, and his Saudi deal reflects his legendary status.

  • Total annual earnings: Around £85m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Adidas, Hyundai, EA Sports.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Ballon d’Or winner and Champions League pedigree.
Image of Kylian Mbappé celebrating a goal for PSG, one of the highest paid footballers with a £1.2m per week wage.

5. Kylian Mbappé (£1.2m per week)

Paris Saint-Germain’s star forward is among the most sought-after players in world football. His contract with PSG makes him one of the highest paid footballers, and his potential move to Real Madrid could push his earnings even higher.

  • Total annual earnings: Over £90m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Nike, Hublot, EA Sports.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Future face of football and immense potential.
Image of Kevin De Bruyne in Manchester City action, among the highest paid footballers at £1m per week.

6. Kevin De Bruyne (£1m per week)

Manchester City’s midfield maestro is the highest paid footballer in the Premier League. His influence in City’s historic treble-winning campaign further solidified his value to the club.

  • Total annual earnings: Around £50m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Nike, Therabody, Wow Hydrate.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Premier League’s best playmaker.
Image of Mohamed Salah playing for Liverpool, one of the highest paid footballers, earning £950k per week.

7. Mohamed Salah (£950k per week)

Liverpool’s Egyptian king remains one of the highest paid footballers and the face of African football. While Saudi clubs have shown interest, Salah remains committed to Anfield—for now.

  • Total annual earnings: Over £70m, including endorsements.
  • Major sponsors: Adidas, Pepsi, Vodafone Egypt.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Global appeal and African football icon.
Image of Erling Haaland in a Manchester City shirt, ranked among the highest paid footballers with an £875k weekly wage.

8. Erling Haaland (£875k per week)

The Norwegian goal machine has taken the Premier League by storm, becoming one of the highest paid footballers at Manchester City. At just 23, his financial power is set to grow even further.

  • Total annual earnings: Over £50m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Nike, Hyperice, Samsung Norway.
  • Key reason for high earnings: Prolific goal scorer and rising global brand.
Image of Robert Lewandowski in a Barcelona jersey, one of the highest paid footballers, earning £800k per week.

9. Robert Lewandowski (£800k per week)

Barcelona’s main man continues to earn top-tier wages, proving his worth in La Liga. His consistency over the past decade makes him one of the highest paid footballers in the sport.

  • Total annual earnings: Over £45m, including sponsorships.
  • Major sponsors: Nike, Gatorade, Huawei.
  • Key reason for high earnings: One of the best strikers of his generation.
Image of Sadio Mané playing for Al Nassr, among the highest paid footballers, with a £750k per week salary.

10. Sadio Mané (£750k per week)

After leaving Bayern Munich for Al Nassr, Sadio Mané saw his salary rise significantly. The Senegalese forward remains a highly respected figure in world football.

  • Total annual earnings: Around £40m, including endorsements.
  • Major sponsors: New Balance, Western Union.
  • Key reason for high earnings: African football legend and global role model.

Honourable Mentions

Several other players come close to making the list, with wages exceeding £600k per week:

  • Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) – £700k per week
  • Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – £650k per week
  • Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – £600k per week

These stars remain key figures in world football and could break into the top 10 with future contract renewals.

 Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers

The salaries of the highest paid footballers have skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to the influence of Saudi clubs and mega-rich European contracts. While the Premier League still offers top wages, the financial power of the Middle East is reshaping the global football economy. As sponsorships and transfer fees continue to climb, the next generation of stars could push earnings to even greater heights.

 

 

Find Out More:

 

 

 

FAQs

Share this article

Copy link
Related articles...
View All View All