Football is not just a sport but a global spectacle that draws billions of fans and billions of dollars. The world’s highest-paid footballers are not only celebrated for their skill and achievements on the pitch but also for the lucrative contracts and endorsement deals that make them some of the wealthiest athletes on the planet. These players earn from a combination of salaries, bonuses, and extensive commercial partnerships, turning them into global brands.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in the World (2024):
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League) – $260 million
- Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr made him the highest-paid footballer on the planet. His massive salary and bonuses, combined with lifetime endorsements like his contract with Nike and his CR7 brand, have brought his earnings to unprecedented levels. His influence on the Saudi Pro League is immense, driving its popularity worldwide.
2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Major League Soccer) – $150 million
- Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami in the MLS not only revolutionized the league but also secured him a contract that includes profit-sharing from the team’s commercial ventures. His longstanding partnerships with Adidas, Pepsi, and luxury brands continue to contribute massively to his income.
3. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – $130 million
- After a highly anticipated move to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has become one of the wealthiest footballers globally. His contract at the club, along with lucrative bonuses and image rights, pushes his annual earnings to staggering heights. His endorsement deals with Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports further solidify his global brand and appeal.
4. Neymar Jr. (Al-Hilal, Saudi Pro League) – $110 million
- Neymar’s move from PSG to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia boosted his earnings considerably. Known for his flair and creativity, Neymar also continues to profit from endorsements with Puma, Red Bull, and other brands. His earnings from both football and off-field ventures place him high among the footballing elite.
5. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Pro League) – $105 million
- Benzema’s post-Real Madrid career took him to Al-Ittihad, where he enjoys a massive salary package. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner has built a legendary career, and his presence in Saudi Arabia has attracted significant attention. With his endorsements from Adidas and other brands, Benzema remains one of the top earners in the sport.
6. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $85 million
Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess at Manchester City has not only brought the club success but has also elevated his earnings significantly. His new contract at City, combined with endorsement deals from Nike and other brands, keeps him among the top footballers in terms of income. His rising global fame makes him one of the most marketable athletes.
7. Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona) – $75 million
The Polish striker’s move to FC Barcelona has been financially rewarding. His immense scoring talent remains a key asset for Barcelona, and he continues to earn handsomely from sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Huawei. Lewandowski’s global appeal makes him one of the highest-paid footballers.
8. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League) – $55 million
After his move from Bayern Munich to Al-Nassr, Mané joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. His salary in Saudi Arabia, coupled with his deals with New Balance and other brands, has pushed him into the list of highest-paid footballers.
9. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – $53 million
Salah’s contract at Liverpool remains one of the highest in the Premier League, and his image as a global football icon is reinforced by endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and other major brands. With Liverpool consistently competing for major honors, Salah remains a central figure both on and off the pitch.
10. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – $45 million
- De Bruyne’s role as one of the best midfielders in world football has earned him a sizable contract at Manchester City. His playing ability, combined with his endorsements from Nike and other luxury brands, keeps him firmly in the top 10 of football’s highest earners.
The Evolution of Football’s Wealth:
Football has become more than just a sport; it’s a commercial juggernaut. The immense wealth flowing into the game from TV deals, sponsorships, and new markets like Saudi Arabia and the United States has skyrocketed player salaries to new heights. These footballers aren’t just athletes—they’re global brands, driving not only the sport’s popularity but also massive financial ecosystems.
While Europe remains the epicenter of football, the growing influence of leagues in Saudi Arabia and the United States reflects the sport’s global expansion, bringing football’s top stars into markets that offer vast financial rewards.
With football salaries reaching astronomical figures, it’s clear that the best players in the world are being compensated as much for their ability to market the sport as for their ability to perform on the pitch.
A Further list of players after the top 10 if you’re interested!
As we continue down the list, the next ten highest-paid footballers represent a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each commanding impressive salaries and endorsement deals that reflect their global influence both on and off the pitch.
- Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid) – Griezmann’s return to Atlético Madrid has been financially rewarding. Known for his versatility and technical ability, his contract at the club, combined with endorsement deals from Puma and Huawei, keeps him among the sport’s elite earners.
- Paul Pogba (Juventus) – Despite struggles with injuries, Pogba’s return to Juventus from Manchester United came with a significant salary package. Pogba is also heavily involved in fashion and lifestyle endorsements, including his partnership with Adidas, which adds a substantial amount to his earnings.
- Sergio Ramos (Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League) – After a legendary career at Real Madrid and a brief stint at PSG, Ramos joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The move significantly boosted his salary, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in football. His commercial deals with brands like Nike further solidify his financial standing.
- Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) – Sterling’s switch to Chelsea came with a substantial salary bump, making him one of the Premier League’s top earners. His marketability off the pitch, with endorsements from New Balance and other brands, has kept him in the upper echelon of football’s highest-paid stars.
- Luka Modrić (Real Madrid) – Even at 38, Modrić remains a vital player for Real Madrid, with his contract reflecting his importance to the club. His longevity in the game, coupled with partnerships with Nike and other global brands, ensures he remains a top earner in football.
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – Widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, Van Dijk’s contract at Liverpool is among the most lucrative for a defender. His commercial appeal, alongside endorsements with Nike, contributes to his growing wealth.
- Jadon Sancho (Manchester United) – Sancho’s big-money move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund came with an impressive salary. Though he has faced challenges on the pitch, his marketability remains strong, with endorsements from Nike and other top brands bolstering his earnings.
- Romelu Lukaku (AS Roma) – Lukaku’s loan move to Roma from Chelsea, following his stint at Inter Milan, continues to bring him substantial earnings. A powerful striker with significant commercial appeal, Lukaku has deals with Puma and other high-profile companies, which enhance his income.
- Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) – The Canadian full-back’s rapid rise to prominence at Bayern Munich has earned him a lucrative new contract. His youthful appeal and exciting style of play have also made him a marketing favorite, with deals from Nike and other brands.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – Following his high-profile transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich, Kane’s salary received a significant boost. As one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers before his move, Kane remains a commercial powerhouse, with endorsements from brands like Nike and Cadbury continuing to grow his wealth.
Summary:
These players may not reach the astronomical figures of Ronaldo or Messi, but their earnings still reflect their importance in the global football landscape. Several of them, like Modrić and Ramos, are legends nearing the end of their careers, while others, such as Sancho and Davies, represent the future of the sport. Each of these footballers combines skill on the pitch with commercial appeal, ensuring that their influence extends well beyond the football field.