• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

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

Aug 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Son Heung-min poses during an LAFC introductory press conference at BMO Stadium

Son Heung-Min Effect Will Hit Big for MLS and L.A.

With a record signing, the South Korean supernova has landed at LAFC.

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
United

Manchester United Knocked Out of Cup by Team With $2.6 Million Payroll

United’s team payroll is almost 100 times larger than Grimsby’s.
Aug 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) flies out to left field in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.

The Biggest Deferred Sports Contracts in Each Major Sports League

Shohei Ohtani will make $680 million after his contract ends.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Candace Parker

Candace Parker Not a WNBA Owner Yet, but Her Business Is Booming

Her WNBA peers say she made the blueprint for earning off the court.
August 29, 2025

Kyle Schwarber’s MVP Candidacy Could Lead to Massive Payday

The Phillies slugger makes history and could do so again this winter.
August 29, 2025

Cowboys’ Parsons Approach Shows High Cost of Delayed Contracts

Parsons will sign a four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Cooper Lutkenhaus
August 28, 2025

Running Prodigy Ditches High School and College for Nike at 16

Cooper Lutkenhaus is a contender at next month’s track world championships.
Breanna Stewart
August 28, 2025

Breanna Stewart’s Injury Meant Rare Presence at WNBA CBA Talks

Stewart “makes the league sit up straight,” the union director told FOS.
August 28, 2025

Micah Parsons Traded to Packers, Set to Sign Record 4-Year, $188M Deal

The Cowboys reportedly offered Parsons $40.5 million per year in March.
Willie Mays
August 28, 2025

Willie Mays’s Son Tries to Block Sale of Some Memorabilia 

Michael Mays disputes that his father wanted certain items sold after he died.