Idman.biz
According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo, the forward for Al-Nassr and the Portuguese national team, became the world's highest-paid footballer in 2025.
Idman.Biz reports that, according to the publication, Ronaldo will earn $230 million at Al-Nassr in the 2025/26 season, taking into account financial incentives and salary arising from commercial agreements with the club.
The Portuguese will earn an additional $50 million from sponsorship deals. This brings the 40-year-old's annual income to $280 million before taxes and agent commissions.
Second place is taken by Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi ($130 million), and third place is taken by Al-Ittihad forward Karim Benzema ($104 million).
The highest-paid footballers of 2025, according to Forbes magazine:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Al-Nassr) — $280 million
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami) — $130 million
3. Karim Benzema (France, Al-Ittihad) — $104 million
4. Kylian Mbappe (France, Real Madrid) — $95 million
5. Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City) — $80 million
6. Vinicius (Brazil, Real Madrid) — $60 million
7. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool) — $55 million
8. Sadio Mane (Senegal, Al-Nassr) — $54 million
9. Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid) — $44 million
10. Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona) – $43 million.
