The world's 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025 have been announced
The annual reveal of football's financial giants is here. The official list of the world's Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers for the 2025-26 season has been unveiled, and once again, a familiar face dominates the charts: Cristiano Ronaldo.
The list, compiled by Forbes, showcases the incredible fortunes of the game's elite, with the total estimated earnings of the top 10 reaching a colossal $945 million for the season. This figure, however, marks a slight shift in the market, representing a 4% decrease compared to the previous year.
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The next generation and League Distribution
Saudi Pro League: 3 players
La Liga: 4 players
Premier League: 2 players
MLS: 1 player
Notably, the list includes younger superstars who are rapidly climbing the financial ranks, with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland firmly establishing themselves in the top five.
A surprising exclusion from this year’s top 10 is Brazilian forward Neymar. After a spell at Al-Hilal, the fan-favorite has returned to his boyhood club Santos and did not secure a place in this highly exclusive financial ranking this time.
Saudi Pro League: 3 players
La Liga: 4 players
Premier League: 2 players
MLS: 1 player
10. Lamine Yamal
Earnings: 43 million dollars
Club/League: FC Barcelona, La Liga
The 17-year-old sensation makes his debut on the top 10 list.
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9. Jude Bellingham
Earnings: 44 million dollars
Club/League: Real Madrid, La Liga
The English midfielder's immediate global impact is reflected in his high earnings.
8. Sadio Mané
Earnings: 54 million dollars
Club/League: Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League
The veteran forward secures a top-ten spot thanks to his lucrative Saudi deal
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7. Mohamed Salah
Earnings: 55 million dollars
Club/League: Liverpool, Premier League
The Egyptian King remains one of the two highest-paid players in the Premier League.
6. Vinícius Jr.
Earnings: 60 million dollars
Club/League: Real Madrid, La Liga
The Brazilian winger’s rising star power has catapulted him into the top half of the list.
5. Erling Haaland
Earnings: 80 million dollars
Club/League: Manchester City, Premier League
The prolific striker is the wealthiest of the younger generation, securing the fifth spot.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Earnings: 95 million dollars
Club/League: Real Madrid, La Liga
Having moved to La Liga, the French superstar just misses out on the top three.
3. Karim Benzema
Earnings: 104 million dollars
Club/League: Al-Ittihad, Saudi Pro League
The former Ballon d'Or winner is one of three players with nine-figure annual earnings.
2. Lionel Messi
Earnings: $130 million
Club/League: Inter Miami, MLS
The Argentine icon's move to the MLS keeps him firmly at number two globally.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Earnings: 280 million dollars
Club/League: Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League
The Portuguese legend is the world's highest-paid footballer, maintaining a massive financial lead.V
