Ronaldo Leads Forbes’ 2025 Highest-Paid Footballers List as Lamine Yamal Enters Elite Ranks
- Cristiano Ronaldo maintains his position as the world’s highest-paid footballer in 2025, showing that age has not slowed his dominance
- Eighteen-year-old Lamine Yamal has entered Forbes’ top 10, becoming the youngest player ever to do so
- The 2025 list highlights two African stars, both expected to make a major impact at next year’s FIFA World Cup
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Forbes has released its 2025 ranking of the world’s highest-paid footballers, and Cristiano Ronaldo continues to hold the top spot.
Showcasing both seasoned stars and emerging talents, the list reflects football’s expanding global earnings, with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal making history as one of the youngest players ever to enter the sport’s financial elite.
Source: Getty Images
Below is the full list of the Top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025, as compiled by Forbes and cited by L'Equipe.
Top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr
The Portuguese icon continues to dominate the financial charts. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains football’s richest player. He reportedly earned around €239 million this year, driven by his lucrative Al Nassr contract and major sponsorship deals across the globe.
2. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
The Argentine legend may have moved to MLS, but his brand power remains unmatched. From sponsorships to endorsements, Messi is still a commercial magnet. His total income is estimated at about €111 million in 2025.
Source: Getty Images
3. Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad
The French forward is reaping the rewards of his Saudi Arabia move, with his Al-Ittihad contract placing him among football’s highest earners. Benzema reportedly earned €89 million in 2025.
4. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
Sporting the iconic white of Real Madrid, Mbappé shines as both a global football star and a commercial powerhouse, with total earnings hitting around €81 million this year, according to Forbes.
5. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
The Norwegian goal machine is not just breaking records on the pitch but also off it, with new brand deals and performance bonuses adding to his wealth. Haaland’s 2025 earnings stand around €68 million.
6. Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s Brazilian magician continues to rise in both form and fame, establishing himself as one of the most marketable young stars. His total income for the year is estimated at €51 million.
7. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
The Egyptian King remains Africa’s top earner, with Liverpool’s contract and his global sponsorships keeping him firmly among the elite. Salah earned close to €47 million this year.
8. Sadio Mané – Al Nassr
Mané’s move to Saudi Arabia has proven profitable, with major off-field endorsements continuing to boost his income. He pocketed around €46 million in 2025.
9. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
At just 22, Bellingham has taken both La Liga and the marketing world by storm. His brand appeal continues to soar globally. Bellingham’s annual earnings total about €38 million.
10. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
As the youngest player on the list, Yamal’s entry signals a new generation, with his brilliant displays for Barcelona and recent sponsorships boosting his worth. At just 18, the Spanish wonderkid has earned approximately €37 million this year, according to Forbes and Reuters.
Richest Ghanaian footballers
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on the list of richest Ghanaian football stars, both retired and active, including famous names such as Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan.
Other esteemed figures like Sulley Ali Muntari, Inaki Williams, and Andre Ayew also feature in the rich list.
Source: YEN.com.gh
