Top-Earning Football Players

Joshua Cross By Joshua Cross
2 Min Read

Below is an approximate overview of some of the highest-earning football players as of 2025. Figures can vary depending on the source and may exclude sponsorships, endorsements, and bonus structures. The table aims to provide a snapshot of reported annual salaries (before tax) from reputable industry analyses such as Forbes, Deloitte, and major sports news outlets.

PlayerClub (2023)Estimated Annual Salary (USD)Source
Cristiano RonaldoAl Nassr$200 millionForbes, ESPN
Kylian MbappéParis Saint-Germain$110 millionForbes, Deloitte
Lionel MessiInter Miami (formerly PSG)$65 millionForbes, BBC
Neymar Jr.Al-Hilal (formerly PSG)$70 millionKPMG Football Benchmark, Sky Sports
Erling HaalandManchester City$50 millionSportico, ESPN
Mohamed SalahLiverpool$35 millionForbes, BBC

Note: Annual salary figures above do not typically include sponsorship deals or bonuses, which can significantly increase a player’s total earnings.


Additional Context

  • Wage Variation: Salaries fluctuate based on league, club financial health, player reputation, performance, and global market factors.
  • Bonuses and Endorsements: Many top players earn more from endorsement deals and image rights than from their base club salary.
  • Contract Length and Renewals: When players sign new contracts or move clubs, their wage structures can change dramatically, sometimes setting new benchmarks.

Further Reading and Betting Resources

For more insights on football finances and general sports betting trends, you can check the following:

Keep in mind that exact player salaries are subject to confidentiality clauses and can change quickly due to transfers, renegotiations, or additional performance clauses in their contracts.

Share This Article