Footballers play for passion and love of the game, but they also get paid handsomely. The best footballers typically make the most money, and 2024 has been no exception.
Forbes has released its annual list of the world’s highest-paid footballers, and the numbers are staggering.
As we look forward to 2025, here is a list of the world’s highest-paid footballers for 2024.
The Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £218m
Ronaldo’s immense online presence, lucrative partnerships with Nike and Tag Heuer, and his own hotel and clothing businesses contribute to his record-breaking earnings.
His YouTube channel, launched in August, reached 10 million subscribers in just one day, further solidifying his status as a social media powerhouse.
2. Lionel Messi – £103m
Messi takes home the most earnings off the pitch, with £58m coming from partnerships with Adidas, Apple TV, and his own production company.
The Argentine legend’s enduring success on the pitch has also led to numerous endorsement opportunities, cementing his status as one of the world’s most marketable athletes.
3. Neymar – £84m
The Brazilian legend, currently playing for Al-Hilal, earns big through endorsements and partnerships with Puma, despite being out of action with a knee injury.
Neymar’s popularity extends far beyond the pitch, with his massive social media following and charismatic personality making him a sought-after endorsement partner.
4. Karim Benzema – £79m
The 36-year-old French striker, who captains Al-Ittihad, is estimated to make around £76m on the pitch and £3m off it.
Benzema’s impressive earnings are a testament to his enduring success on the pitch, as well as his growing popularity in the Middle East.
5. Kylian Mbappe – £69m
The 25-year-old French sensation, who joined Real Madrid this year, earns around £54m on the pitch and £15m off it through partnerships with Nike and Dior.
Mbappe’s rapid rise to superstardom has made him one of the most sought-after endorsement partners in the world, with his youthful energy and charismatic personality making him a natural fit for top brands.
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6. Erling Haaland – £46m
The Norwegian goal machine, who plays for Manchester City, makes his money off the pitch through sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike and Pepsi.
Haaland’s incredible success on the pitch has also led to numerous endorsement opportunities, cementing his status as one of the world’s most exciting young players.
7. Vinicius Junior – £42m
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who plays for Real Madrid, is a new entrant on the Forbes list, with brand deals with Pepsi and PlayStation.
Vinicius Junior’s impressive earnings are a testament to his growing popularity on and off the pitch, as well as his status as one of the world’s most exciting young players.
8. Mohamed Salah – £41m
The Liverpool forward and Egypt international works with big brands like Vodafone and Adidas and has a massive social media following.
Salah’s enduring success on the pitch has also led to numerous endorsement opportunities, cementing his status as one of the world’s most marketable athletes.
9. Sadio Mane – £40m
The Senegalese forward, who plays for Al-Nassr FC, uses his wealth to give back to his hometown, building a hospital, petrol station, and post office.
Mane’s philanthropic efforts have made him a beloved figure in Senegal, and his impressive earnings have enabled him to make a real difference in his community.
10. Kevin de Bruyne £40m
The Belgian midfielder, who plays for Manchester City, works with big brands like Nike and McDonald’s and is rumored to be considering a move to Al-Nassr.
De Bruyne’s impressive earnings are a testament to his enduring success on the pitch, as well as his status as one of the world’s most dominant midfielders.
