The 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025 – Ranked

July 30, 2025 Oliver Obel

In 2025, football wages have soared to astonishing levels, driven largely by Saudi Arabia’s financial boom and the enduring global appeal of elite stars. With on-field salaries and off-field endorsements taken into account, here are the ten highest-paid players in world football right now, ranked from tenth to first.

10. Kevin De Bruyne – £31m (Manchester City)

The Belgian playmaker remains a cornerstone at Manchester City and one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. Earning £31 million annually, De Bruyne continues to dominate the Premier League with his vision, goals, and creativity.

9. Sadio Mané – £42m (Al-Nassr)

After a mixed spell at Bayern Munich, Mané found a lucrative new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr. His yearly earnings now total £42 million, reflecting his high market value and continued attacking prowess.

8. Mohamed Salah – £42m (Liverpool)

Salah’s brand power across the Middle East and North Africa, combined with his on-pitch consistency, makes him a commercial and footballing giant. Despite contract uncertainty, the Egyptian star still earns £42 million annually.

7. Vinicius Junior – £44m (Real Madrid)

Photo: Lina Reshetnyk / Shutterstock.com

A fan favorite and Ballon d'Or contender, Vinicius has become a symbol of Real Madrid’s future. His £44 million income is split between a strong salary and numerous endorsements with global brands.

6. Erling Haaland – £48m (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland with the Champions League trophy — Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com

Haaland’s status as the world’s most feared striker is well earned after record-breaking seasons in the Premier League. His £48 million salary reflects his relentless goalscoring and ever-growing marketability.

5. Kylian Mbappé – £72m (Real Madrid)

Having finally joined Real Madrid, Mbappé earns £72 million a year, combining one of La Liga’s biggest salaries with major endorsement deals. His decision to reject Saudi riches speaks to his focus on legacy and glory.

4. Karim Benzema – £83m (Al-Ittihad)

Now in Saudi Arabia after 14 seasons with Real Madrid, Benzema is enjoying a massive £83 million payday. At 37, his earnings represent a final, well-earned reward for a legendary career.

3. Neymar Jr – £88m (Santos)

Following an ill-fated Saudi spell, Neymar returned to Santos but maintained an extraordinary income of £88 million per year. Despite injury issues, he remains a marketing phenomenon and continues to rake in huge endorsement money.

2. Lionel Messi – £108m (Inter Miami)

Messi’s legacy has only grown in the United States, where he helped Inter Miami to its first title and built a commercial empire. With £60 million in off-field earnings alone, his £108 million annual haul is second only to his great rival.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £228m (Al-Nassr)

Ronaldo tops the list by a massive margin, earning an eye-watering £228 million a year. As the face of Saudi football and the world’s most followed athlete, his influence and income are simply unmatched.