Ronaldo Remains King: Forbes Reveals Football’s Highest Paid Players
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The world’s top ten footballers collectively earned $945 million this season, according to Forbes, with Cristiano Ronaldo maintaining his position as the highest earner. The ranking, based on estimates from the magazine’s editors, highlights a slight dip in overall earnings compared to the previous season, but continues to showcase the immense financial power of the sport’s biggest stars.
Ronaldo Leads the Pack, Messi and Benzema Follow
For the second consecutive year, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Forbes list, amassing a staggering $280 million (approximately €240 million) while playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Argentina’s World Cup champion, Lionel Messi, secured the second spot with earnings of $130 million (€111 million) at Inter Miami. Rounding out the top three is former French national player Karim Benzema, earning $104 million (€89 million) with Al-Ittihad.
The Forbes rankings consider a comprehensive view of income, including club salaries, endorsements, and other revenue streams. One analyst noted that the figures are based on publicly available information and are therefore estimates, not necessarily exact.
Off-Pitch Earnings Drive Top Stars’ Income
Beyond their salaries, lucrative endorsement deals significantly contribute to the earnings of these football icons. Lionel Messi reportedly earns $70 million of his $130 million total from off-field activities, while Cristiano Ronaldo generates $50 million through endorsements. This demonstrates the power of their personal brands and global appeal.
New Faces and Shifting Fortunes
The list isn’t without its changes. Jude Bellingham, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, and Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona are the newest additions to the top ten, earning $44 million and $43 million respectively. However, Brazil’s Neymar has fallen from third place in the previous season to an expected income of $38 million after returning to FC Santos.
The youngest player on the list, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, represents the next generation of footballing superstars. The absence of any German professionals in the top ten underscores the current dominance of other leagues and players.
The Top Ten Highest Paid Footballers
Here’s a breakdown of the top ten earners, according to Forbes:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: $280 million
- Lionel Messi: $130 million
- Karim Benzema: $104 million
- Kylian Mbappé: $95 million
- Erling Haaland: $80 million
- Vinicius Jr.: $60 million
- Mohamed Salah: $55 million
- Sadio Mané: $54 million
- Jude Bellingham: $44 million
- Lamine Yamal: $43 million
Despite a 4% decrease in combined earnings compared to last season, the financial landscape of professional football remains remarkably robust, showcasing the continued global fascination with the sport’s elite players.
