Unbelievable wealth! Ronaldo is the highest-earning footballer of 2025 | A big surprise on the list

AA's feature story on the highlights of 2025 in sports looked at the highest-earning footballers of the year. According to Forbes' list, four players from Spain, three from Saudi Arabia, two from England, and one from the US made it into the top 10 highest-earning footballers of 2025.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (AL NASSR)

Ronaldo earned more than twice as much as his closest rival on the list, Lionel Messi, in 2025. The 40-year-old Ronaldo, who continues to grow his CR7 brand, surpassed one billion followers across all social media platforms. With his ventures in the hotel and clothing industries, Ronaldo's off-field income has reached $50 million annually, while he earned $230 million from Al Nassr for one year.

LIONEL MESSI (INTER MIAMI)

Argentine star Messi ranked second on the list with $130 million in earnings in 2025. Messi, who earned $70 million through partnerships with various brands, is the leader in off-field earnings. The 38-year-old Messi, who has over 500 million followers on Instagram and owns his own companies, also receives an annual salary of $60 million from his US team, Inter Miami.

KARIM BENZEMA (AL ITTIHAD)

French star Karim Benzema secured third place on the list of the highest-earning footballers in 2025. Benzema joined the ranks of stars who decided to continue their careers in Saudi Arabia in 2023 for an astronomical sum. The 38-year-old Benzema, who earns $100 million from Al Ittihad, increased his earnings to $104 million with his off-field income.

MBAPPÉ (REAL MADRID)

Real Madrid’s French star Kylian Mbappé ranks 4th on the list with his annual earnings. The 27-year-old forward earns $25 million from brand partnerships, and when his $70 million football-related income is added, his total earnings reach $95 million. Meanwhile, the French international is expected to receive €61 million in compensation after winning the lawsuit he filed against his former club Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid salaries and bonuses.

ERLING HAALAND (MANCHESTER CITY)

Norwegian star Erling Haaland became the 5th highest-earning footballer of the year thanks to his income both on and off the pitch. The 25-year-old striker continues to expand his sponsorship deals each year, successfully carrying his on-field success into commercial ventures. Haaland earns $60 million from Manchester City and an additional $20 million off the pitch, bringing his total earnings in 2025 to $80 million.