• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, May 27, 2025

The 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Players in the World in 2023

  • Kylian Mbappé is bringing in a record $264 million between his on- and off-field earnings.
  • The top 10 players in the world are cumulatively making $1.15 billion — a 71% increase from 2022’s record of $652 million.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo moves the ball against Uruguay during the second half of the group stage match in the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Looking for the updated list? Check out our complete ranking of the highest-paid soccer players in 2024 right here.

After signing a five-year deal with Real Madrid worth €15 million ($16.2 million) a year after taxes with a reported €150m ($163 million) bonus, Kylian Mbappé is now the highest-paid soccer player in the world. The French sensation will bring in a combined $264 million between his on- and off-field earnings.

According to Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid soccer players, Cristiano Ronaldo is bringing in an astounding $260 million in earnings after his high-profile transfer to Saudi side Al Nassr.

As it did with LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia’s presence in the soccer world has skyrocketed earnings for the sport’s top-paid players.

The Saudi Pro League features four entries on the list — the most of any league — with Al Nassr notching the third spot in Neymar Jr. who is earning $112 million.

But it’s not all about Saudi Arabia’s money: Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami is also paying dividends, with his unique reported contract featuring lucrative stakes with Adidas and Apple. His list-leading $70 million in off-field earnings boosts him to the second spot with $135 million.

Big-spending Manchester City of the Premier League also retains a presence in the top 10, with stars Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne coming in at 6th and 9th, respectively.

FC Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski falls just outside the top 10 with $34 million in total earnings. 

Overall, the top 10 players in the world are cumulatively making $1.15 billion — a 71% increase from 2022’s record of $652 million.

Here is the list of the top 10 highest-paid soccer players in the world, combining on- and off-field earnings based on Forbes’ projections.

  • Updated: June 4, 2024
RankPlayerClubOn-Field EarningsOff-Field EarningsTotal Earnings
1Kylian MbappéReal Madrid$244 million$20 million$264 million
2Cristiano RonaldoAl Nassr$200 million$60 million$260 million
3Lionel MessiInter Miami$65 million$70 million$135 million
4Neymar Jr.Al Hilal$80 million$32 million$112 million
5Karim BenzemaAl Ittihad$100 million$6 million$106 million
6Erling HaalandManchester City$46 million$12 million$58 million
7Mohamed SalahLiverpool$35 million$18 million$53 million
8Sadio ManéAl Nassr$48 million$4 million$52 million
9Kevin De BruyneManchester City$35 million$4 million$39 million
10Harry KaneBayern Munich$26 million$10 million$36 million

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 13, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA World Cup 2026 branding pictured during the unveiling of the new test soccer pitch in anticipation of Nations League play and 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium.

World Cup Infrastructure Company Sells to PE for $1 Billion

Rock-It Cargo is the official logistics provider for next year’s World Cup.
Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur Ends Miserable Season With Nine-Figure Champions League Jackpot

The sloppy Europa final was decided on a questionable own goal.
Gillette

Boston NWSL Team to Play at Gillette After Legal Fight Delayed Own..

The team beat a lawsuit from locals against their stadium in April.
Caddy Ted Scott talks with Scottie Scheffler during the second round of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. Friday March 14, 2025.

How Do You Become a PGA Tour Caddie?

The pathways, skills, and expectations for caddying at golf’s highest level.

Featured Today

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
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.
May 24, 2025

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.”

Caitlin Clark Injury Is Speed Bump Early in WNBA Season

Clark will miss at least four games based on the timeline.
Jaren Jackson
May 23, 2025

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

Jackson missed out on a five-year, $345 million contract extension. 
May 25, 2025

Tom Brady Backs Another Crypto Play

Brady is in a group investing $18 million in a crypto-adjacent business.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
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.
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 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.