Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has reclaimed his position as the highest-paid footballer in the world for the year 2024. The Al-Nassr striker continues to dominate both on and off the pitch, proving his enduring marketability and value even at 39 years old.
According to the latest figures, Ronaldo earns an astonishing €263 million per year, placing him at the top of the list of the world’s best-paid footballers. His closest competitor is Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who earns €124 million annually while playing for Inter Miami in the United States.
Brazilian forward Neymar Jr., who joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, ranks third with annual earnings of €101 million, followed closely by French striker Karim Benzema, now playing for Al-Ittihad, who takes home €96 million. Kylian Mbappé, the face of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and one of the most talented players of his generation, ranks fifth with an annual income of €83 million.
Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, fresh off an exceptional season, is sixth on the list, earning €55 million. Real Madrid’s rising star Vinícius Júnior follows him, pocketing €50 million a year.
Liverpool’s Egyptian talisman Mohamed Salah ranks eighth with €48 million in earnings, while Senegalese forward Sadio Mané, who also plays for Al-Nassr, earns €47 million annually. Rounding off the top ten is Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City, who earns €35 million.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in the World (2024)
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (€263M)
2. Lionel Messi (€124M)
3. Neymar (€101M)
4. Karim Benzema (€96M)
5. Kylian Mbappé (€83M)
6. Erling Haaland (€55M)
7. Vinícius Júnior (€50M)
8. Mohamed Salah (€48M)
9. Sadio Mané (€47M)
10. Kevin De Bruyne (€35M)
This list highlights the immense financial power within football, especially with the increasing influence of clubs from Saudi Arabia, who have drawn some of the world’s biggest stars with lucrative offers. The rise in player salaries, especially those moving to the Middle Eastern leagues, signals a shift in the global football landscape.
Players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar continue to be global icons, not just for their on-field performances but for their commercial appeal. These earnings reflect their marketability, endorsement deals, and the growing global audience for football, making them some of the most influential athletes in the world.
As football evolves, it’s clear that player salaries will continue to skyrocket, particularly with the increasing involvement of wealthy clubs in emerging football markets. The trend towards more financially competitive leagues outside of Europe has provided new opportunities for top players to further expand their legacies and fortunes.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a global phenomenon, continuing to break records, both on the pitch and in his financial success, and it seems his reign as football’s financial king is far from over.