The world of football is not just about thrilling matches and passionate fans — it’s also home to some of the most lucrative salaries in sports. With millions earned both on and off the pitch, the highest-paid footballers enjoy fame, fortune, and immense global influence. In this listicle, we explore the top 10 earners in football today, featuring detailed information about their careers, earnings, and endorsements.
Here Are the Richest Football Players in the World 2025
1. Cristiano Ronaldo:
One of the most iconic athletes in history, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rake in enormous earnings through club wages and an unmatched sponsorship portfolio. His relentless work ethic and global appeal keep him at the top.
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1985
- Place of Birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Position: Forward
- Total Annual Earnings: $260 million
- Sponsors: Nike, Herbalife, Clear, Binance, LiveScore
- Instagram Profile
- Official Website
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a powerhouse both in football and business. Playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he earns a massive salary and also dominates the endorsement scene. His CR7 brand and massive social media following ensure his continued spot among the highest-paid footballers globally.
2. Lionel Messi:
Despite a quieter season, Messi’s influence in football and business remains massive. The Argentine maestro earns handsomely through PSG wages (until 2023), Inter Miami, and multi-million-dollar endorsements. Biography
- Date of Birth: June 24, 1987
- Place of Birth: Rosario, Argentina
- Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Total Annual Earnings: $135 million
- Sponsors: Adidas, Apple, PepsiCo, Lays, Budweiser
- Instagram Profile
Now playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, Lionel Messi continues to command one of the sport’s highest salaries. With numerous global sponsorships and his recent move to the U.S., Messi’s appeal has only grown, firmly keeping him among the highest-paid footballers.
3. Kylian Mbappé:
Known for his electric speed and lethal finishing, Mbappé is one of the youngest among the highest-paid footballers. His influence is growing rapidly, both on and off the pitch.
- Date of Birth: December 20, 1998
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Position: Forward
- Total Annual Earnings: $120 million
- Sponsors: Nike, Hublot, Oakley, Dior
- Instagram Profile
The French superstar has made headlines not only for his incredible talent but also for his staggering salary at PSG. Off the field, Mbappé is a marketing magnet, collaborating with high-end brands that boost his profile among the highest-paid footballers in the world.
4. Erling Haaland:
Haaland’s rise has been meteoric. The Norwegian striker broke multiple Premier League records and is now among the highest-paid footballers, thanks to his commercial appeal and goal-scoring prowess.
- Date of Birth: July 21, 2000
- Place of Birth: Leeds, England
- Height: 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
- Position: Striker
- Total Annual Earnings: $58 million
- Sponsors: Nike, Samsung, Hyperice
- Instagram Profile
Manchester City’s goal machine, Erling Haaland, is quickly climbing the ranks of the highest-paid footballers. His explosive debut in the Premier League and lucrative endorsement deals have placed him firmly in the spotlight.
5. Neymar Jr.:
Neymar remains one of the sport’s most marketable stars, combining flair and creativity with a strong social media influence. His move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia also significantly boosted his earnings. Biography & Facts
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1992
- Place of Birth: Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position: Forward / Winger
- Total Annual Earnings: $80 million
- Sponsors: Puma, Red Bull, PokerStars, Qatar Airways
- Instagram Profile
After his move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, Neymar’s paycheck skyrocketed. Though injuries have impacted his playing time, the Brazilian star’s brand value remains high, cementing his place among the highest-paid footballers.
6. Mohamed Salah:
Liverpool’s Egyptian King is a fan favourite and a marketing powerhouse. Salah’s discipline, charity work, and consistent performances make him one of the highest-paid footballers in the Premier League. Personal Details
- Date of Birth: June 15, 1992
- Place of Birth: Nagrig, Egypt
- Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position: Forward
- Total Annual Earnings: $53 million
- Sponsors: Adidas, Pepsi, Vodafone Egypt, Gatorade
- Instagram Profile
Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, is a football icon across Africa and the Middle East. With consistent performances and a polished public image, he ranks among the highest-paid footballers, particularly through endorsements.
7. Kevin De Bruyne:
Often hailed as one of the best midfielders of his generation, De Bruyne blends class and creativity. He is among the highest-paid footballers thanks to his Manchester City wages and smart branding deals.
- Date of Birth: June 28, 1991
- Place of Birth: Drongen, Belgium
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position: Midfielder
- Total Annual Earnings: $39 million
- Sponsors: Nike, EA Sports, Orange, Therabody
- Instagram Profile
A midfield maestro for Manchester City, De Bruyne has been instrumental in the club’s domestic and European success. His strategic endorsements and consistent on-field excellence make him one of the highest-paid footballers in the Premier League.
8. Robert Lewandowski:
A clinical striker and one of the most consistent goal scorers of his generation, Robert Lewandowski continues to shine with FC Barcelona and the Poland national team. Known for his professionalism and leadership, he’s also an astute businessman off the pitch.
- Date of Birth: August 21, 1988
- Place of Birth: Warsaw, Poland
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Striker
- Total Annual Earnings: $35 million
- Sponsors: Nike, Huawei, T-Mobile Poland, Head & Shoulders
- Instagram Profile
Playing for FC Barcelona, Lewandowski is still one of the most lethal forwards in the game. With a vast fan base in Europe and an impressive track record, he maintains his status among the highest-paid footballers globally.
9. Karim Benzema:
After a storied career with Real Madrid, Benzema’s switch to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia has made him one of the highest-paid footballers. The Ballon d’Or winner commands serious figures. History
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1987
- Place of Birth: Lyon, France
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Striker
- Total Annual Earnings: $100 million
- Sponsors: Adidas, Jean Paul Gaultier, Onore
- Instagram Profile
After his move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Benzema’s earnings took a dramatic jump. The Ballon d’Or winner is not only paid handsomely on the pitch but also enjoys a strong commercial appeal, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in 2025.
10. Antoine Griezmann:
A versatile forward renowned for his intelligence, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess, Antoine Griezmann has been a pivotal figure for both Atlético Madrid and the French national team. With a career spanning top clubs and numerous accolades, he remains a prominent name in world football. Biography
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1991
- Place of Birth: Mâcon, France
- Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Total Annual Earnings: $28 million
- Sponsors: Puma, Huawei, Head & Shoulders
- Instagram Profile
Currently at Atlético Madrid, Griezmann may not have the mega-contracts of some of his peers, but his versatility and reliability keep him relevant. Combined with solid endorsement deals, he rounds out this list of the highest-paid footballers.
Final Thoughts
From the Middle East to Major League Soccer, the world’s top footballers are raking in enormous sums. Whether through staggering salaries, smart investments, or major sponsorships, these athletes exemplify how football has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry.
The highest-paid footballers of 2025 are more than just sports figures — they are global brands, influencers, and in many cases, role models. As football continues to expand into new markets, we can only expect these numbers — and the star power behind them — to grow.
