• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 17, 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

Jul 30, 2022; Pasadena California, USA; Juventus forward forward Dusan Vlahovic (9) and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jose Paixao (20) battle for the ball in the first half during an international friendly at the Rose Bowl.

‘Make Juventus Great Again’: Crypto Firm Tether Buys Stake in Soccer Club

Tether is just one of many crypto firms making sports investments.

A Rival Upstart Looks to Challenge Major League Soccer’s Top Dog Status

The USL is planning to launch a Division I men’s soccer league.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.

LIV Golf Players Can Still Wear Shorts—If It’s Hot Enough

Pants will only be required in certain temperatures, FOS has learned.

Featured Today

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.

Inside the Push for the NHL’s Next Era of International Competition

Players have been clamoring, and the league is all in.
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Medals are carried out on Louis Vuitton trays after the women's volleyball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena
February 16, 2025

LVMH’s New Push: World’s Most Powerful Luxury Group Is Coming for Sports

LVMH is making long-term deals—and they’re not done.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a play during the second half of the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
February 15, 2025

The NBA’s Latest Attempt To Solve the All-Star Game Conundrum

A new mini-tournament on a lame-duck network may not solve the problem.
Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena
February 11, 2025

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center

Mac McClung’s Dunk Contest Winnings Eclipse His NBA Guaranteed Salary

The three-time dunk contest champion has played just five career NBA games.
Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the football before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.
February 14, 2025

After Months of Trash-Talking, Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill Agree to Race

The Olympic sprinter and NFL wideout will race after months of talks.
February 15, 2025

World’s Top Tennis Player Jannik Sinner Reaches Shockingly Lenient Doping Settlement

Sinner will miss no majors despite facing a two-year suspension.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 13, 2025

Kelsey Plum Introduced in L.A., Throws Jab at Las Vegas Aces

She won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) talks to the media with his daughter, Jada, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 13, 2025

Saquon Barkley Chides Eagles Fans for Booing Taylor Swift: ‘Only Helping’

Barkley made the comments in an interview with Howard Stern on SiriusXM.
February 13, 2025

Steph Curry, Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Contest Out After Caitlin Clark Passes

Curry eked out a 29–26 win over Ionescu last year.
Joe Burrow
February 13, 2025

Joe Burrow Wants the Bengals to Spend Like the Eagles

“The Eagles are paying everybody,” Burrow said. “That seems like the way.”