Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of football’s greatest players, continue to dominate the world of sports not just for their talents but also for their remarkable earnings.
Forbes recently revealed its list of the highest-paid footballers, with both Ronaldo and Messi taking the top spots, proving their continued influence both on and off the pitch.
At the top of the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo’s annual income has reached an astounding $285 million, making him the highest-paid footballer in the world. Of this, $220 million comes from his salary, while the rest is generated through various sponsorship deals. Despite being in the latter part of his career, Ronaldo continues to set new financial records, further solidifying his status as one of football’s all-time greats.
Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), follows closely behind. Messi’s total earnings amount to $135 million annually, with $60 million coming from his salary and an impressive $75 million from sponsorship deals. As the only MLS player in the top ten of Forbes’ list, Messi’s influence continues to transcend leagues and continents.
Other top earners on the list include Neymar from Al-Hilal with $110 million and Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad, who brings in $104 million annually. Sadio Mane, Ronaldo’s teammate at Al Nassr, also appears on the list, earning $52 million.
In La Liga, Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior make the list with earnings of $90 million and $55 million, respectively. The English Premier League also has a presence, with Erling Haaland earning $60 million, Mohamed Salah bringing in $53 million, and Kevin De Bruyne earning $39 million per year.
This list not only underscores the financial success of these football stars but also highlights significant shifts in the global football economy. Leagues like the Saudi Pro League are playing an increasingly prominent role in the sport’s financial landscape, drawing top players and offering lucrative contracts.
Despite nearing the end of their playing careers, Ronaldo and Messi remain at the top of football’s financial hierarchy, continuing to attract sponsorships and maintain their global appeal.