• Loading stock data...
Saturday, May 24, 2025

Mbappé Sits Atop World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players List

  • Kylian Mbappé is expected to earn $128 million for the 2022-23 season.
  • Lionel Messi is expected to earn $110 million.
Mbappe
Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have rotated in and out of the No. 1 spot on Forbes’ highest-paid soccer players lists since 2014, but a new name is taking over.

At 23 years old, Kylian Mbappé is now the top earner for the 2022-23 season, expected to earn $128 million — a record for the Forbes’ annual list. The French star will earn around $110 million from his salary and signing bonus, with the remaining $18 million coming from endorsements.

Messi stayed in the top two, with expected earnings of $110 million, while Ronaldo dropped to third with $100 million. Ronaldo will still earn more than any other player off the field ($60 million).

The 10 highest-paid players are slated to bring in a record $652 million for the season, an 11% increase from last year. 

  • Mbappé, Messi, and Ronaldo account for more than 50% of the total income among the top 10.
  • Salaries and bonuses jumped 7% to $444 million.

The top-10 list is rounded out by Neymar Jr. ($87 million), Mohamed Salah ($53 million), Erling Haaland ($39 million), Robert Lewandowski ($35 million), Eden Hazard ($31 million), Andrés Iniesta ($30 million), and Kevin De Bruyne ($29 million).

Youth Wave

Haaland, the attacking phenom for whom Manchester City paid a $63 million transfer fee, made his first appearance on the list and will earn $35 million on the field. Haaland and Mbappé are the only players under 30 on the list.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Pacers-Knicks Game 1 Drew 6.6M Viewers, a 7-Year High

The game had 8.5 million people watching at its peak.
Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden (2) pulls into pit lane Monday, May 19, 2025, during a practice for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Indy 500, Monaco GP on Same Weekend for the Final Time

The three Triple Crown races will be on consecutive weekends.

MLB Weighs Olympic Participation After NFL Flag Football Approval

MLB, LA28 continue discussions about 2028 participation by big leaguers.

Can Golf Emulate the College World Series Model?

Carlsbad, Calif., is hosting the event through 2028.

Featured Today

Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”
AA Mint Cards
May 18, 2025

Young Collectors Are on a High-Stakes Chase for Ultra-Rare Trading Cards

“They just want that excitement of the chase,” says a 23-year-old collector.
Jaren Jackson

All-NBA Vote Costs Jaren Jackson Jr. $200 Million

Jackson missed out on a five-year, $345 million contract extension. 
May 5, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
May 20, 2025

Did Juan Soto Really Want to Be a Met? Ex-Yankee Star Under..

Recent struggles for the superstar and the team counter a hot start.
May 18, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler tees off on the third hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow.
May 21, 2025

How Do You Become a PGA Tour Pro Golfer?

The pathways, skills, and experience needed to compete at golf’s highest level.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
May 19, 2025

The Rivalry the WNBA Wants—but Clark and Reese Aren’t Selling

Indiana is 4–1 against Chicago since the two stars were drafted a year ago.
May 18, 2025

PGA Championship Increases Purse to Record $19 Million

In 2024, the major championship offered $18.5 million in prize money.
Brock Purdy
May 16, 2025

Brock Purdy, 49ers Agree to Deal With $181 Million Guaranteed

Purdy and the 49ers have their long-awaited extension.
May 16, 2025

Lewis Hamilton Admits Early Days With Ferrari Have Been ‘Tough’

Hamilton sits at seventh in the drivers’ championship.