The Money Behind the Beautiful Game
As global demand for elite football continues to soar, so do the paychecks of its brightest stars. From eye-watering wages to multimillion-dollar endorsement deals, the world’s top players are more than just athletes—they are global brands. In this report, we take a close look at the highest-paid footballers in 2025, examining their club contracts, off-field earnings, and the business empires they’ve built.
This ranking reflects total earnings (salary + endorsements) from May 2024 to May 2025.
1. Kylian Mbappé – €230 Million (Saudi Pro League / Al-Hilal)
Mbappé shocked the world in 2024 by signing with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. His annual salary tops €180 million, with the rest coming from endorsements with brands like Nike and Hublot. As the highest-paid footballer in 2025, his earnings represent a seismic shift in football’s financial landscape.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – €200 Million (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia)
Still a marketing juggernaut at 40, Ronaldo’s Saudi contract remains one of the most lucrative. Despite being in the twilight of his playing career, his brand endorsements (Nike, Herbalife, CR7) generate over €60 million annually.
3. Lionel Messi – €135 Million (Inter Miami, USA)
Messi continues to shine in the MLS, with huge paychecks from Apple TV revenue sharing, Adidas, and equity in Inter Miami. His income from football and commercial ventures makes him one of the richest football players in 2025.
4. Erling Haaland – €130 Million (Manchester City, UK)
With record-breaking goal stats and global appeal, Haaland earns over €50 million in endorsements alone. His salary with Man City was renegotiated after the 2024 Champions League win, pushing him higher on this year’s top football salaries 2025 list.
5. Neymar Jr. – €112 Million (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
Though injury-plagued, Neymar’s Saudi contract and brand partnerships (Puma, Red Bull) keep him among the top earners in football 2025. Off-field ventures, including his NFT and fashion line, supplement his club salary.
6. Karim Benzema – €106 Million (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner remains a top-paid figure in the Saudi league. His image rights and advertising deals keep him among the highest-paid footballers in 2025 even as he nears the end of his career.
7. Mohamed Salah – €95 Million (Liverpool FC, UK)
Salah continues to be a marketing asset for brands targeting Middle Eastern and African markets. His Liverpool salary is boosted by endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Vodafone Egypt.
8. Robert Lewandowski – €78 Million (Barcelona, Spain)
Lewandowski remains a key figure in La Liga and commands high wages at Barcelona. His Polish and European sponsorships (Huawei, T-Mobile, Gillette) keep his earnings high.
9. Kevin De Bruyne – €70 Million (Manchester City, UK)
De Bruyne’s creative midfield dominance translates to consistent club wages and solid endorsement partnerships with Nike, EA Sports, and Belgian brands. His renewed contract in 2025 includes performance-linked bonuses.
10. Vinícius Jr. – €68 Million (Real Madrid, Spain)
As Real Madrid’s golden boy and a face of the next generation, Vinícius commands significant earnings from Nike, Red Bull, and Beats. His star power in South America and Europe ensures commercial success.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025
| Rank | Player | Club | Salary (€ Million) | Endorsements (€ Million) | Total (€ Million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappé | Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) | 180 | 50 | 230 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) | 140 | 60 | 200 |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami (USA) | 85 | 50 | 135 |
| 4 | Erling Haaland | Man City (UK) | 80 | 50 | 130 |
| 5 | Neymar Jr. | Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) | 70 | 42 | 112 |
| 6 | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) | 80 | 26 | 106 |
| 7 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool FC (UK) | 60 | 35 | 95 |
| 8 | Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona (Spain) | 50 | 28 | 78 |
| 9 | Kevin De Bruyne | Man City (UK) | 45 | 25 | 70 |
| 10 | Vinícius Jr. | Real Madrid (Spain) | 40 | 28 | 68 |
Africa’s Viewpoint: What This Means for Young Kenyan Footballers
For aspiring footballers in Kenya and other African nations, the staggering incomes of these athletes are both inspiring and eye-opening. The path to becoming one of the highest-paid footballers in 2025 is not easy—but it starts with talent development, discipline, and international exposure. With more African players breaking into top leagues, the dream is slowly becoming more attainable.
Clubs in Kenya such as Gor Mahia, Tusker, and AFC Leopards are starting to invest more in youth systems—indicating a growing ambition to produce homegrown talent that could one day join this elite global list.
The Riches of Football Keep Growing
The top football salaries in 2025 highlight how football has evolved into a multi-billion-euro ecosystem where players aren’t just stars on the pitch—they’re global influencers and businessmen. While Saudi Arabia and the United States are disrupting the traditional European dominance in wages, the commercial pull of elite footballers continues to reshape the game globally.
As we look ahead, younger players like Jude Bellingham, Gavi, and Endrick could soon join the ranks of the highest-paid footballers in the world. One thing’s for sure: the stakes—and salaries—are only getting bigger.
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