Cristiano Ronaldo has once more claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid footballer, while Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has broken into the top ten, according to Forbes’ latest report.
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Forbes Reveals the Top 10 Highest Earners in Football
The American business publication has unveiled its annual list of the world’s top 10 highest-earning players, showcasing the staggering financial power within modern football.
The 2025–26 Forbes ranking factors in on-field earnings, including base salaries, bonuses, and club-based image rights, as well as off-field income from sponsorships and personal endorsement deals.
Ronaldo Dominates the Earnings Chart
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be football’s financial benchmark. After signing a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr in June, he is projected to earn an incredible $280 million this season — before taxes and agent commissions.
The Portuguese captain, who recently affirmed he has no plans to retire, stating he is “still performing at a high level,” will receive $230 million from Al Nassr in wages and bonuses, along with $50 million from off-field ventures such as brand endorsements and sponsorships.
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Ronaldo’s global popularity remains unmatched — with over one billion followers across his social media platforms — helping him lead the Forbes list for the sixth time in the past decade.
Messi Trails Ronaldo, Tops MLS Representation
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi stands as the only Major League Soccer (MLS) player on the list and ranks second overall behind his long-time rival.
The Argentina national team captain, now 38, is expected to earn $130 million this year, with $70 million generated from sponsorships and brand partnerships with Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard, among others.
Messi’s off-field influence and marketing appeal continue to make him one of the most profitable athletes in the world, both in football and beyond.
Lamine Yamal Makes History at Just 18
Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, who recently inherited the club’s legendary No. 10 jersey once worn by Messi, has made history as the first 18-year-old ever to feature on Forbes’ soccer earnings list in its 22-year history.
The Spanish international signed a 10-year contract with Barcelona earlier this year and completes the ranking with estimated earnings of $43 million — a combination of $33 million on-field and $10 million off-field.
His inclusion marks a generational shift and highlights the growing commercial influence of young talents in football’s financial landscape.
Benzema, Haaland, Salah, and Mbappé Among the Elite
Karim Benzema, the captain of Al-Ittihad, has moved up to third place, earning approximately $104 million, with $100 million coming from club salary and $4 million from endorsements.
Kylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, ranks fourth with $95 million, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland rounds out the top five with $80 million, boosted by his sponsorship deal with Nike.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who extended his contract with the Reds this summer, sits at seventh place with $55 million. Vinícius Júnior follows closely at sixth ($60 million), and Jude Bellingham makes his debut appearance at ninth ($44 million), reinforcing Real Madrid’s dominance on the list.
Sadio Mané, Ronaldo’s teammate at Al Nassr, ranks eighth, earning $54 million overall.
LaLiga’s Financial Powerhouses Shine
LaLiga dominates the chart with four players — Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham, and Yamal — all representing Spanish clubs. Their inclusion underscores the league’s sustained global reach and lucrative player branding potential.
The Numbers Behind the Money
Collectively, the top 10 footballers are projected to earn a combined $945 million in the 2025–26 season — a slight 4% dip from last year’s record of $983 million.
Notably absent from this year’s ranking is Brazilian forward Neymar Jr., who ranked third in 2024. His return to Santos FC after leaving Al Hilal has significantly reduced his annual earnings.
Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Footballers
| Rank | Player | Total Earnings | On-Field | Off-Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) | $280M | $230M | $50M |
| 2️⃣ | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) | $130M | $60M | $70M |
| 3️⃣ | Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) | $104M | $100M | $4M |
| 4️⃣ | Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) | $95M | $70M | $25M |
| 5️⃣ | Erling Haaland (Man City) | $80M | $60M | $20M |
| 6️⃣ | Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) | $60M | $40M | $20M |
| 7️⃣ | Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) | $55M | $35M | $20M |
| 8️⃣ | Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) | $54M | $50M | $4M |
| 9️⃣ | Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) | $44M | $29M | $15M |
| 🔟 | Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) | $43M | $33M | $10M |
A Billionaire Legacy
Ronaldo’s dominance goes beyond the pitch. Recently recognized by Bloomberg as football’s first billionaire athlete, the Al Nassr superstar continues to redefine longevity, success, and financial influence in the modern sports era.
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