Forward of the Portuguese national team and Saudi Al-Nasr Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest-paid footballer of the year for the second year in a row.
Forbes magazine reported this, publishing the corresponding rating.
The highest-paid footballers in 2024
When comparing the list, Forbes magazine took into account the amounts that players should receive at the end of the 2024/25 season. This includes contracts with clubs, as well as personal sponsorship agreements.
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For the seventh time in 11 years of the rating and the second time in a row, Cristiano Ronaldo became the leader of the rating. His achievement amounts to $220 million earned on the field and another $65 million — off.
Thus, the Portuguese broke last year's earnings record by $25 million, reaching the mark of $285 million.
Second place in the ranking goes to Inter Miami footballer Lionel Messi. His earnings are $135 million, of which sponsorship and advertising deals have a record figure of $75 million.
The top three is closed by Brazilian Neymar, who will earn $110 million in a year
In total, the top ten of the rating included four players representing the Saudi Arabian championship, three representatives of the English Premier League, two players from the Spanish La Liga and one from the American MLS.
Forbes' Ranking of the Highest-Paid Football Players of the Year
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nasr) — $285 million ($220 million in club salary + $65 million in other deals);
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) — $135 million ($60 million + $75 million);
- Neymar (Al Hilal) — $110 million (80 million + 30 million);
- Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) — $104 million (100 million + 4 million);
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) — $90 million (70 million + 20 million);
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — $60 million (46 million + 14 million);
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) — $55 million (40 million + 15 million);
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) — $53 million (35 million + 18 million);
- Sadio Mane (Al Nasr) — $52 million (48 million + 4 million);
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) — $39 million (35 million + 4 million).
Recall that in October, Cristiano Ronaldo set an incredible achievement. The Portuguese became the first footballer to score a goal in 600 matches. This happened in the Saudi Arabian Championship in a match against Al-Oruba.
