The Highest-Paid Soccer Players in 2025: Earnings, Influence, and the Business of Football

In 2025, soccer players are more than athletes—they are global brands, entertainers, and multi-million-dollar businesses in their own right. Their earnings reflect not only their on-pitch brilliance but also their commercial appeal across continents. While transfer fees often dominate headlines, the true scale of modern football’s wealth is seen in players’ yearly incomes, combining salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

The list of the world’s highest-paid footballers in 2025 reveals both familiar icons—Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar—and the new generation led by Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. The rise of the Saudi Pro League, the continued dominance of European clubs, and the commercial pull of U.S. soccer with Inter Miami highlight how geography and market value are reshaping football’s financial landscape. In many ways, the growth of the football economy mirrors trends in other entertainment sectors, where fans not only follow matches but also explore related industries of chance and strategy, often guided by incentives like a monopoly casino promo code.

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

Even at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo remains football’s richest player. With $275 million in total annual earnings, he earns around $225 million from salary alone at Al-Nassr, supplemented by $50 million in endorsements and commercial deals. His weekly salary surpasses £3 million, making him the highest-paid athlete across all sports.

Ronaldo’s appeal goes beyond his enduring scoring ability. He is a global commercial powerhouse, with partnerships ranging from sports apparel to luxury fashion and fitness ventures. His move to Saudi Arabia accelerated the Pro League’s visibility worldwide, proving that his marketability remains unrivaled.

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

Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, combines $60 million in salary and on-field earnings with a staggering $75 million off the pitch through endorsements and partnerships. His arrival in MLS has been transformative, boosting ticket sales, television deals, and shirt sponsorships, while cementing Miami as a global football destination.

Messi’s endorsement portfolio includes global giants in sportswear, lifestyle, and technology, highlighting how his influence transcends football. While his club contract may not match Saudi Arabia’s megadeals, Messi’s off-field empire ensures he remains one of the sport’s most bankable stars.

3. Neymar – $110 million (Santos)

Back in Brazil with Santos, Neymar still ranks among the sport’s financial elite, earning $110 million annually, with $80 million from salary and $30 million from endorsements. His return to his boyhood club reignited passion among Brazilian fans while maintaining global relevance.

Neymar’s brand appeal remains strong, tied to fashion, gaming, and lifestyle endorsements. His salary in Brazil reflects both his iconic status and Santos’ ambition to re-establish itself on the global football map. Despite past injuries, Neymar continues to be one of football’s most marketable figures.

4. Karim Benzema – $104 million (Al-Ittihad)

Another beneficiary of the Saudi football revolution, Karim Benzema earns $104 million per year, with $100 million from salary at Al-Ittihad. After leaving Real Madrid, the Ballon d’Or winner brought both experience and global recognition to the Saudi Pro League.

Although less commercially prominent than Ronaldo or Messi, Benzema remains a respected name in world football. His move underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy of signing high-profile veterans to attract global viewers and sponsors.

5. Kylian Mbappé – $90 million (Real Madrid)

Arguably the face of the next footballing era, Kylian Mbappé earns $90 million annually at Real Madrid, combining one of the world’s top salaries with lucrative endorsement deals. Still only in his mid-20s, Mbappé represents the perfect blend of youth, talent, and global appeal.

His presence at Real Madrid is both sporting and commercial: he is expected to lead the club into a new era of Champions League dominance, while also driving shirt sales, sponsorships, and TV audiences. Mbappé’s earning potential continues to climb as he positions himself as Ronaldo and Messi’s natural heir.

6. Erling Haaland – $60 million (Manchester City)

The Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland earns $60 million, with $46 million in salary and $14 million from endorsements. His scoring record in the Premier League and Champions League has already made him a phenomenon, and his commercial appeal is steadily growing.

Endorsement brands are increasingly drawn to Haaland’s blend of athleticism and charisma. With his age and performances, Haaland is expected to rise even further in the financial rankings in the years ahead.

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

At $55 million annually, Vinícius Jr. has cemented himself as both a footballing star and a commercial icon. His pace, skill, and match-winning ability have made him indispensable at Real Madrid, while his endorsements reflect his global reach, particularly in Brazil and Europe.

Vinícius represents the new generation of Brazilian stars who combine flair with consistency, and his rise in financial rankings shows how quickly a player can become both a sporting and marketing phenomenon.

8. Mohamed Salah – $53 million (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s talisman and a global superstar. With $53 million in yearly earnings, Salah benefits from a high Premier League salary and a diverse endorsement portfolio.

In Egypt and the broader Middle East, Salah’s influence extends beyond sport, making him a symbol of pride and inspiration. His global appeal, combined with his performances in England, ensures he remains among the most valuable players in world football.

9. Sadio Mané – $52 million (Al-Nassr)

Joining Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, Sadio Mané earns $52 million per year. His salary dwarfs what he earned in Europe, underscoring the financial pull of the Saudi Pro League.

Mané’s influence is especially strong in Africa, where he is celebrated as one of the continent’s greatest modern players. His move may not have the same global buzz as Ronaldo or Benzema, but his commercial appeal remains significant.

10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – $39 million (Paris Saint-Germain)

Closing out the top ten is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger now dazzling at Paris Saint‑Germain, with estimated total earnings of $39 million. His recent move from Napoli to PSG in January 2025 elevated his financial profile, and although detailed breakdowns of his salary and endorsements aren’t publicly disclosed, his compensation aligns well with this list.

Kvaratskhelia earned his place among football’s elite thanks to a standout tenure at Napoli—where he won the Serie A title in 2022–23, finished as the league’s top assist provider, and was named Serie A’s MVP. His charisma and creative style earned him comparisons to legends like Messi and Maradona, making him one of the most exciting talents globally. 

Since joining PSG, he continued to shine—helping the club secure a continental treble in his first season, including a Champions League victory. At just 24 years old, Kvaratskhelia is already considered one of football’s most promising new stars. His rising brand value and on-field brilliance make him a significant earner and future influence in world football.

The Saudi Effect And Shifting Dynamics

The list clearly illustrates the financial rise of the Saudi Pro League, with players like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Mané commanding astronomical salaries. While Europe remains the traditional hub of footballing prestige, Saudi Arabia’s willingness to offer record-breaking contracts is reshaping the market. Meanwhile, Messi’s success in MLS demonstrates the commercial potential of North America, especially when tied to global icons.

Players As Global Brands

The highest-paid soccer players in 2025 reflect the sport’s dual nature: entertainment on the field and massive business off it. Ronaldo remains unmatched in total earnings, Messi dominates the endorsement market, and the next generation—Mbappé, Haaland, and Vinícius—are carving their own commercial empires.

As leagues compete for global audiences, salaries and endorsements will only climb higher. What is clear is that footballers are no longer just athletes—they are brands, influencers, and billion-dollar enterprises, shaping the game on and off the pitch.

For the latest projections on the prospects of various football players and teams, check out this page, which has estimated projections for various events (e.g. Champions League Winner)