World's Top 10 Highest-Paid Football Players and Their Net Worth

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The highest-paid football players are never far from the spotlight. Whether they are dazzling on the pitch with jaw-dropping performances or turning heads with their extravagant lifestyles, these icons constantly captivate global attention. With billions of passionate fans across the globe, it is no wonder their staggering paychecks spark endless fascination and debate.

10 Highest-Paid Football Players in 2025 

Statista and GivenMeSport both named Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the highest-paid football players currently. Here are other commendable players sharing the same reputation, from the lowest to highest net worth:

10. Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City - US$35 Million per year 

Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, earns a salary as staggering as his impact on the field. With an incredible tally of 103 goals and 171 assists to his name, he’s both a playmaker and a game-changer. Clocking in at a jaw-dropping US$4,000 per hour, the 31-year-old has spent his career rewriting the history books and cementing his status as one of football’s modern legends. 

Net worth: USUS$39 Million 

9. Sadio Mane, Al Nassr - US$47 Million per year 

Sadio Mane is undeniably a big name in football history, lighting up the pitch with an impressive goal tally, 120 for Liverpool and 25 for Southampton. Earning as much as US$5,400 wage per hour, he became one of the European gems, with one win in the Champion League under his belt.

Though his 2023 stint at Bayern Munich was marred by injury, Mane made a powerful comeback. Now, in 2025, he stands tall among the world’s highest-paid footballers, thanks to a lucrative annual deal with Al Nassr.

Net worth: US$54 Million 

8. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool - US$47 Million per year 

As one of the highly sought-after football players, Mohamed Salah’s influence reaches beyond the pitch, with major brands like Adidas and Pepsi signing agreements. Among other things, his substantial partnerships have brought him popularity which earned Salah nearly 100 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, and X. His roots as a right-winger are also on the path after claiming a Premier League title, Champions League crown, two League Cups, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World. 

Net worth: US$53 Million 

7. Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid - US$49 Million per year 

Latin America's golden boy, Vinicius Junior, has been a prized possession in Real Madrid’s lineup since bursting onto the scene at just 18. Over the years, the Brazilian has racked up 101 goals across 295 appearances, dazzling fans with his flair and precision. His brilliance on the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed off it either as the Ballon d’Or winner now boasts an impressive lineup of 11 brand endorsements, partnering with global giants like Pepsi, Clear Shampoo, and Sony’s PlayStation.

Net worth: US$55 Million 

6. Erling Haaland, Manchester City - US$54 Million per year 

The inclusion of Erling Haaland in the list of highest-paid football players is a given. Haaland graced his debut on the right foot, netting 36 times out of 35 appearances in the Premier League. With such an impressive history, the Norwegian cements his big reputation on the green field, earning a staggering US$6,218 salary per hour.  

Net worth: US$62 Million 

5. Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid - US$81 Million per year 

Kylian Mbappé made headlines in 2023 when he turned down a jaw-dropping US$340 million offer from Al-Hilal, choosing loyalty over fortune. His decision wasn’t entirely surprising, after all, the Paris-born striker has called Parc des Princes home since his teenage debut in the 2016/17 season. To date, Kylian Mbappe has been one of the highest-paid football players for several years, accumulating a US$9,327 wage per hour.  

Net worth: US$90 Million 

4. Karim Benzema, Al-Ittihad - US$94 Million per year 

Karim Benzema’s departure from Real Madrid after an astonishing 354 goals left fans raising eyebrows. Now 37, the legendary French striker has taken his talents to the Saudi Pro League, suiting up for Al-Ittihad. While the move to the Middle East marked a bold new chapter, it also paved the way for a golden retirement, with Benzema reportedly earning a staggering US$10,752 per hour. 

Net worth: US$104 Million 

3. Neymar Jr, Santos - US$99 Million per year 

Earning a jaw-dropping US$11,400 per hour, Neymar ranks among the highest-paid football players in 2025. Despite a turbulent play with Al-Hilal that left fans divided, the Brazilian superstar has built an unforgettable legacy on the pitch. At one point, he even claimed a spot among the most expensive players in history based on total transfer fees. 

Net worth: US$76 Million 

2. Lionel Messi, Inter Miami - US$122 Million per year 

Gaining affectionate endearment ‘Greatest of all Time’, Lionel Messi is currently the second highest-paid footballer whose wealth accounted for a US$13,999 per hour wage. His outstanding performance on the pitch has led Argentina to win its 16th Copa America title and Inter Miami’s first-ever championship. Above all, the 500 million Instagram legend is now signed to iconic partnerships with Adidas, Apple TV, Konami, and many more. 

Net worth: US$135 Million 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr - US$258 Million per year 

Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid football player in 2025 for all the good reasons. With a staggering 900 million followers across social media, Cristiano Ronaldo’s global influence is impossible to ignore. As the face of the Saudi Pro League and a true trendsetter in the world of football, his empire is only expected to grow, both in fame and fortune.

Net worth: US$275 Million 

From dazzling footwork and record-breaking stats to massive endorsement deals and jaw-dropping salaries, the highest-paid football players of 2025 are more than just athletes, they are global icons shaping the future of the sport and redefining fame. For similar inspiration, check also the richest NFL players in 2025 here. 

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