Forbes released the highest-earning football players of 2025. Among them, 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leads by a wide margin with $280 million, Lionel Messi ranks second with $130 million, Karim Benzema third, Kylian Mbappé fourth, and 18-year-old Lamine Yamal tenth.
2025 Highest-Earning Football Players:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (40) - $280 million
On-field income: $230 million Off-field income: $50 million
2. Lionel Messi (38) - $130 million
On-field income: $60 million- Off-field income: $70 million
3. Karim Benzema (37) - $104 million
On-field income: $100 million- Off-field income: $4million
4. Kylian Mbappé (26) - $95 million
On-field income: $70 million- Off-field income: $25 million
5. Erling Haaland (25) - $80 million
On-field income: $60 million- Off-field income: $20 million
6. Vinícius Júnior (25) - $60 million
On-field income: $40 million- Off-field income: $20 million
7. Mohamed Salah (33) - $55 million
On-field income: $35 million- Off-field income: $20 million
8. Sadio Mané (33) - $54 million
On-field income: $50 million- Off-field income: $4 million
9. Jude Bellingham (22) - $44 million
On-field income: $29 million- Off-field income: $15 million
10. Lamine Yamal (18) - $43 million
On-field income: $33 million- Off-field income: $10 million
U.S.A3052497
90
Goat for a reason
Gfelixco1
82
Ronald always leading. ❤❤❤❤
Anthonyloba
68
Lamine Yamal, a raising Legend💪✨️🎖 The one and only man standing from Barcelona ✨️ His style of play is what i love from him the most 😍❤️💯💯💯 I wish you a beautiful career and a long-term injury free career, son.♥️❤️🔥🔥 Can't wait to watch the El Classico 😍 😩 🙌
Davichi
57
Ronaldo leading in many none sporting areas like appearances, wages, social media presence but when it comes to sport-related ratings, he only leads in respect to goals and not even in all goal-related aspects. A footballer can't be considered in the GOAT debate for such. 😂 Messi on the other hand, his dominance in sport-related ratings are unmatched... that's why he's the undisputed GOAT!!!
Elijay
39
for those praising ronaldo remember you called messi a gold digger at Barcelona while now Ronaldo is earning a lot but delivering zero trophies and you still. praise him
hedbdiosty
20
Ronaldo can buy Messi and even buy Barca too 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Nenadiopty
17
to play for Madrid is a huge blessing
Feucnrsz
9
CR7 and Messi are blessings from God. At their ages, they are still leading the earnings