Forbes List: Top 8 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025 and Their Eye-Watering Earnings

In the high-stakes world of professional football, talent alone is no longer the only currency. In 2025, players are commanding astronomical earnings not just from their salaries, but from brand endorsements, profit-sharing deals, social media reach, and commercial leverage. Forbes recently released its annual list of the highest-paid athletes globally, and eight footballers earned a spot among the top 50—proof that the sport continues to lead the way in global sporting wealth.

From Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-setting Saudi contract to Vinícius Jr.’s rise into the elite earning class, the 2025 list offers a snapshot into the changing financial landscape of football. Below is a full breakdown of each footballer featured, their estimated total income for the year (including both salary and endorsements), and how their earnings compare to the rest of the sporting world.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $275 million (Al Nassr)

Ronaldo is the undisputed king of football earnings in 2025. Ranked #1 globally across all sports, the Portuguese superstar earned a jaw-dropping $275 million in the past year. The bulk of this comes from his Al Nassr contract, reportedly worth over $200 million annually, with bonuses, equity incentives, and lifestyle perks like private jet access and 16 personal staff. Add to that his massive endorsement portfolio—Nike, Herbalife, Binance, and his own CR7 brand—and you get a total unmatched by any athlete, footballer or not.

Ronaldo’s influence on and off the pitch continues to elevate the Saudi Pro League’s status. Al Nassr’s matches are now featured in betting previews globally, and Ronaldo’s impact is tied directly to traffic spikes on football prediction sites tracking Saudi fixtures.

2. Lionel Messi – $135 million (Inter Miami)

Coming in at #5 overall on the Forbes list, Lionel Messi may have left European football, but his earning power hasn’t dipped. Now at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi earns around $60 million in salary and performance bonuses. However, it’s his commercial clout—estimated at $75 million annually—that keeps him firmly in the global top 5.

Messi’s deal includes revenue sharing from Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, a stake in Inter Miami, and legacy brand deals with Adidas and Pepsi. His presence has shifted the way MLS games are marketed, bringing new life to American football and driving attention to league betting previews and match breakdowns involving Inter Miami.

3. Karim Benzema – $104 million (Al Ittihad)

The Ballon d’Or winner ranks #8 on Forbes’ list, with total annual earnings of $104 million. After departing Real Madrid, Benzema joined Saudi club Al Ittihad in a move that’s as lucrative as it is headline-making. His on-field wages are estimated around $100 million, with an additional $4 million from partnerships.

Benzema’s signing was a pivotal moment for the Saudi Pro League, proving that the league is not just buying aging stars but world-class, still-relevant talent. Al Ittihad matches are now among the most watched in the Middle East, and he remains a go-to name in matchday previews and football analysis.

4. Kylian Mbappé – $110 million (Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappé finally completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid in early 2025, and it came with massive financial rewards. While he earns a relatively modest $50 million salary compared to his Saudi counterparts, Mbappé’s endorsement empire—led by Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports—adds another $60 million, taking his total to $110 million for the year.

At just 26, Mbappé is now Europe’s highest-paid footballer. He’s also the face of Real Madrid’s resurgence and a top name in both La Liga and UEFA Champions League previews. His performances are not just valuable to Madrid but to digital publishers who rank with “Mbappé goal tonight” or “Real Madrid player ratings.”

5. Neymar Jr – $76 million (Santos)

Neymar’s return to Santos FC in Brazil surprised many, especially given his immense salary at Al Hilal. But despite the drop in wages—his new Santos contract is worth less than $10 million annually—Neymar continues to rake in over $66 million in endorsements, giving him a $76 million yearly total.

His deals with Puma, Red Bull, and other major brands remain intact, and his move back home has reignited Brazilian domestic football. Santos matches are trending again, especially in Copa Libertadores previews, where Neymar is still expected to make a difference.

6. Erling Haaland – $62 million (Manchester City)

The Norwegian goal machine ranks 34th on Forbes’ list, with total earnings of $62 million. His Manchester City salary sits around $48 million/year, and he adds another $14 million through growing partnerships with Nike, Hyperice, and more.

Haaland is a fantasy football darling and one of the most bet-on players globally. City fixtures dominate Premier League predictions, and his name is often in top search queries like “anytime goal scorer today” or “Haaland hat trick odds.”

7. Vinícius Jr – $55 million (Real Madrid)

Making his debut in Forbes’ top 50, Vinícius Jr is no longer just a breakout star—he’s a global brand. With $40 million in salary from Real Madrid and $15 million from endorsements (including Nike, Pepsi, and EA), his total earnings land him at #47 globally.

Vinícius is a huge figure in La Liga, and his performances against rivals like Barcelona and Atlético are key drivers for articles, traffic, and betting attention. For sites covering El Clásico previews or Champions League knockout stages, Vini Jr is now a mainstay.

8. Sadio Mané – $54 million (Al Nassr)

Rounding out the footballers on the Forbes 2025 list, Mané earned $54 million, split between a $50 million Al Nassr salary and $4 million in off-field endorsements. The Senegalese forward joined Ronaldo and Brozović at Al Nassr, helping the club expand its African fan base.

His move has brought extra eyes to Saudi match previews and deepened Al Nassr’s global influence. Mané also appears in AFCON-focused previews and remains a role model in African football development narratives.

🧠 Why This Matters

Forbes’ list doesn’t just measure football talent—it reflects influence. Players who dominate headlines, command social media, and partner with the biggest brands in the world are making more than just match-winning goals—they’re winning off the pitch too.

This shift toward commercial dominance shows why platforms covering football betting tips, player profiles, and match previews are expanding to include branding angles, off-field impact, and earnings stories.

Whether you’re a fan, a content creator, or a marketer, tracking these financial powerhouses gives deep insight into the game’s future—one where salaries are only part of the equation.