Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid football player for the 2025-26 season, earning an estimated $280 million in total: $230 million from Al Nassr and $50 million from endorsements with brands like Nike, Binance, and Herbalife.
Lionel Messi is second with $130 million, while Karim Benzema is third at $104 million. Kylian Mbappé is fourth at $95 million, and Erling Haaland is fifth with $80 million ($60 million salary/bonus, $20 million off-field).
Other top earners include Vinicius Jr. ($60M), Mohamed Salah ($55M), Sadio Mané ($54M), Jude Bellingham ($44M), and Lamine Yamal ($43M), the youngest player at 18.
The top 10 collectively earn $945 million, slightly down from last season due to Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne leaving the list.
La Liga has the most players in the top 10 (four), followed by the Saudi Pro League (three) and the Premier League (two). Major League Soccer has one, Messi.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Football Players in 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid football player in 2025, earning $280 million. Most of it comes from his Al Nassr contract, with the rest from endorsements.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi earns $130 million, with $60 million from Inter Miami and $70 million from his sports drink Más+ and MiM hotels. He remains a top earner both on and off the field.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, 37, makes $104 million, mainly from his Al Ittihad contract. He continues to score regularly in the Saudi Pro League.
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé, 26, earns $95 million at Real Madrid, combining a $70 million salary with $25 million from investments. His stakes include a German electronics company and a French soccer club.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, 25, makes $80 million at Manchester City. He excels in the Premier League and has off-field deals including Nike and Norwegian brands.
Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr., 25, earns $60 million at Real Madrid, with $40 million on-field and $20 million from sponsorships. He maintains a strong presence both on the pitch and in endorsements.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, 33, earns $55 million at Liverpool, combining salary and endorsements. He recently extended his contract through 2027.
Sadio Mané
Sadio Mané, 33, earns $54 million at Al Nassr, mostly from his contract. He also has a long-standing partnership with New Balance.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, 22, makes $44 million at Real Madrid. He combines on-field and off-field income and advocates for mental health.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, 18, earns $43 million at Barcelona, with $33 million from his contract and $10 million from endorsements. He is the youngest player among the top earners.
FAQs
Q. Who is the highest paid soccer player in 2025?
A. Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid, earning $280 million, with $230 million from his Al Nassr contract and $50 million from endorsements.
Q. How much does Lionel Messi earn in 2025?
A. Lionel Messi earns $130 million, split between $60 million on-field with Inter Miami and $70 million off-field from his businesses like Más+ and MiM hotels.
Q. Who is the youngest player in the top 10 earners?
A. Lamine Yamal, 18, from Barcelona, earns $43 million, with $33 million from his contract and $10 million from endorsements.