Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi

Ronaldo Tops the List of the World’s Highest-Paid Strikers: Jaw-Dropping Salaries in Football’s Elite

February 3, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Football is not just a sport; it’s a global phenomenon where the best players are rewarded handsomely for their skills, dedication, and star power. Strikers, in particular, command some of the highest wages in the game due to their ability to score goals and decide matches. In recent years, the footballing landscape has shifted, with lucrative offers from leagues in Saudi Arabia and Europe’s elite clubs pushing salaries to unprecedented height

15. Gabriel Jesus – £265,000 per week / £13,780,000 per year

Gabriel Jesus, now with Arsenal, has proven himself as a key player in the Premier League after several successful years at Manchester City. His technical abilities, versatility, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him indispensable for his team. Despite some injury setbacks, Jesus remains a vital figure in Arsenal’s push for domestic and European glory under Mikel Arteta. His salary reflects his importance and potential to take Arsenal to the next level.

14. Lautaro Martinez – £269,323 per week / £14,003,796 per year

Lautaro Martinez has cemented his place as one of the top strikers in Europe with his performances for Inter Milan. Known for his relentless energy, sharp finishing, and ability to perform in big matches, he played a crucial role in leading Inter to the Champions League final in 2023. On the international stage, Martinez contributed significantly to Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. His impressive earnings reflect both his club achievements and international success.

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13. Kai Havertz – £280,000 per week / £14,560,000 per year

Kai Havertz joined Arsenal in the summer of 2023, bringing with him a reputation for versatility and technical skill. The German attacker previously starred for Chelsea, where he famously scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final. Now at Arsenal, Havertz is working to adapt to his new environment and showcase the qualities that earned him his move. His substantial salary reflects his proven ability to perform on the biggest stages and his potential to thrive in the years to come.

12. Omar Marmoush – £295,000 per week / £15,340,000 per year

Omar Marmoush is one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe, making waves with his speed, creativity, and flair. Though still early in his career, Marmoush has already caught the attention of top clubs, showcasing his potential to develop into a world-class striker. His weekly wage reflects the investment in his talent and the expectation that he will continue to grow into a star performer.

11. Roberto Firmino – £306,967 per week / £15,962,284 per year

Roberto Firmino, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, remains one of football’s most intelligent and creative forwards. As a key figure during Liverpool’s golden era under Jürgen Klopp, Firmino was instrumental in winning the Premier League, Champions League, and other major trophies. His ability to link play and create opportunities for teammates made him a fan favorite. Despite moving to Saudi Arabia, Firmino continues to command a significant salary, highlighting his enduring class and reputation.

10. Dusan Vlahovic – £314,076 per week / £16,331,952 per year

Dusan Vlahovic is Juventus’ star forward and one of the brightest young talents in European football. The Serbian striker is known for his physicality, deadly finishing, and ability to lead the line with maturity beyond his years. After his breakout performances in Serie A, Vlahovic has become the centerpiece of Juventus’ attack. His high salary is a testament to his role as one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.

9. Jhon Duran – £322,000 per week / £16,744,000 per year

Jhon Duran is one of the rising stars in world football, now playing for Al-Nassr. The young forward is known for his speed, athleticism, and eye for goal, which have made him a promising talent to watch. His move to Saudi Arabia reflects the league’s growing interest in developing young talent alongside their established stars. Duran’s impressive weekly earnings underscore the value placed on his potential.

8. Aleksandar Mitrovic – £403,904 per week / £21,002,992 per year

Aleksandar Mitrovic has taken his scoring prowess to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he has continued to dominate in front of goal. The Serbian forward is renowned for his physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. After excelling in the Premier League with Fulham, Mitrovic has carried his form to the Saudi Pro League, justifying his significant weekly salary with consistent performances.

7. Harry Kane – £403,904 per week / £21,002,992 per year

Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich in 2023 marked a new chapter in his illustrious career. After years of prolific scoring for Tottenham Hotspur, Kane joined the German giants and immediately proved his worth as one of the best strikers in the world. His leadership and goalscoring ability have been instrumental in Bayern’s domestic and European campaigns. Kane’s substantial earnings reflect his status as a world-class talent and his potential to secure even more silverware.

6. Ivan Toney – £412,143 per week / £21,431,436 per year

Ivan Toney has transitioned to Al-Ahli, where he has continued to impress as a reliable goal-scorer. Known for his composure in front of goal and his ability to convert penalties with ease, Toney earned his lucrative move after excelling in the Premier League with Brentford. His weekly salary reflects his consistent performances and the growing demand for his talent on a global stage.

5. Kylian Mbappé – £502,253 per week / £26,117,156 per year

Kylian Mbappé is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Known for his blistering speed, exceptional dribbling, and clinical finishing, Mbappé has been a key player for both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. With multiple Ligue 1 titles and a FIFA World Cup to his name, his talent is undeniable. Although his move to Real Madrid is highly anticipated, his current weekly salary reflects his status as a footballing icon and one of the sport’s brightest stars.

4. Erling Haaland – £525,000 per week / £27,300,000 per year

Erling Haaland has quickly risen to become one of the most feared strikers in the world. Since joining Manchester City, the Norwegian sensation has shattered scoring records and played a pivotal role in the team’s treble-winning campaign in 2023. Haaland’s combination of power, pace, and precision makes him a nightmare for defenders. His impressive salary is a reflection of his game-changing ability and his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.

3. Robert Lewandowski – £538,484 per week / £28,001,168 per year

Robert Lewandowski has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. Now at Barcelona, the Polish forward continues to deliver goals with remarkable consistency, following a trophy-laden spell at Bayern Munich. Known for his intelligence, technical ability, and lethal finishing, Lewandowski has helped Barcelona regain their dominance in La Liga. His weekly earnings underscore his value as a seasoned goal-scorer and a leader on the pitch.

2. Karim Benzema – £1,607,211 per week / £83,574,972 per year

Karim Benzema is a footballing legend whose move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia came after a glittering career at Real Madrid. A Ballon d’Or winner, Benzema is renowned for his exceptional technique, vision, and ability to score in crucial moments. During his time at Madrid, he won five Champions League titles, cementing his place among the all-time greats. His extraordinary salary reflects his enduring quality and his status as one of the most decorated players in the game.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3,231,230 per week / £168,018,000 per year

Cristiano Ronaldo, a global icon, tops the list as the highest-paid striker in the world. Currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to shine on the pitch, breaking records and proving his age is no barrier. With an unparalleled career spanning Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, Ronaldo has won numerous league titles, five Ballon d’Or awards, and five Champions League trophies. His astronomical salary reflects not only his footballing ability but also his unmatched marketability and global appeal.