List of highest-paid players published by Forbes
Baku, October 18, AZERTAC
Amid the October international break for the FIFA matchdays, Forbes financial magazine has released its annual report on the world's 10 highest-paid footballers, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again topping the list, who repeated his 2023 feat and set a new earnings record for 2024 with $285 million, according to BeInSports.
This impressive figure includes $220 million from his salary at Al Nassr and $65 million from commercial deals. According to Forbes, this total sets a football record, only surpassed by boxer Floyd Mayweather during his active years.
The report highlights how players' finances have evolved over the past decade. In 2014, Ronaldo led the list with earnings of $73 million, a figure that has grown exponentially. The Portuguese star has topped the rankings multiple times, competing with Lionel Messi, who was the highest-paid footballer in 2019 and in previous years such as 2018 and 2020. This year, Messi ranks second with $135 million, boosted by his move to Inter Miami and the commercial deals he's signed since, including key partnerships with brands like Adidas and Apple TV.
Neymar, now playing for Al Hilal, takes third place with $110 million, followed by Karim Benzema, who earns $104 million playing for Al Ittihad. Both players have maintained their economic value despite leaving European leagues.
The Saudi Pro League, which saw massive investment in signings during 2023, has reduced its spending for the current season but continues to attract top stars with lucrative contracts. Despite this slowdown, players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema remain the top beneficiaries of Saudi football's economic boom.
Kylian Mbappé, who finally achieved his dream of playing for Real Madrid, ranks fifth with $90 million. Other notable names include Erling Haaland, who continues to shine at Manchester City with earnings of $60 million, and Vinicius Jr., who has also established himself as a global star with $55 million.
Below is the list of the 10 highest-paid footballers in the world according to Forbes:
Cristiano Ronaldo: 39 years old, Al Nassr, Portuguese - USD 285 million (220 million on the field and 65 million off the field)
Lionel Messi: 37 years old, Inter Miami, Argentine - USD 135 million (60 million on the field and 75 million off the field)
Neymar: 32 years old, Al Hilal, Brazilian - USD 110 million (80 million on the field and 30 million off the field)
Karim Benzema: 36 years old, Al Ittihad, French - USD 104 million (100 million on the field and 4 million off the field)
Kylian Mbappé: 25 years old, Real Madrid, French - USD 90 million (70 million on the field and 20 million off the field)
Erling Haaland: 24 years old, Manchester City, Norwegian - USD 60 million (46 million on the field and 14 million off the field)
Vinicius Jr.: 24 years old, Real Madrid, Brazilian - USD 55 million (40 million on the field and 15 million off the field)
Mohamed Salah: 32 years old, Liverpool, Egyptian - USD 53 million (35 million on the field and 18 million off the field)
Sadio Mané: 32 years old, Al Nassr, Senegalese - USD 52 million (48 million on the field and 4 million off the field)
Kevin De Bruyne: 33 years old, Manchester City, Belgian - USD 39 million (35 million on the field and 4 million off the field.)
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