The highest-paid footballers in the world have an impressive salary, with endorsements and bonuses adding to their incredible earnings.
With rumors swirling of record-breaking transfer fees for top players, the race to be the highest-paid footballer is more competitive than ever.
And at the top of this list is Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo who made headlines with his move to Saudi Arabia's side Al-Nassr.
His controversial move from Manchester United to the Saudi Pro League set Ronaldo to earn a staggering amount, with reports indicating his total package could surpass €200 million per year according to Forbes.
Forbes' list reflects the influence of the Saudi Pro League, with four players from the league in the top 11 earners worldwide, including Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane.
Following closely behind Ronaldo is Lionel Messi, who recently left PSG for MLS club Inter Miami in a highly publicized transfer.
The Argentine World Cup winner also earns a significant salary, with endorsements and business ventures adding to his massive income.
Other top earners include Neymar, who continues to rake in millions in Saudi Arabia, and Kylian Mbappe, whose future earnings are the subject of intense speculation as he approaches the end of his stay at PSG.
In this article, we highlight the list of ten highest-paid footballers according to Forbes:
Ronaldo is also ranked as the highest-paid athlete overall, with total earnings of €235 million in 2023.
Ronaldo's contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, which he joined from Manchester United in January, is worth €200 million, and his endorsements from companies like Nike and Jacob & Co are valued at €35 million annually, according to Forbes.
Lionel Messi is ranked second on the list with total earnings of €122m, boosted by his move to the MLS side Inter Miami.
Interestingly, the 8-time Ballon d'Or holder Messi is the first MLS player to appear in the top 10 since David Beckham in 2012.
The Brazilian forward rounds out the top three with €101m in total earnings after leaving PSG to join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in August.
The French man comes in next on the rankings, narrowly behind his former PSG teammate Neymar, with total earnings of €99m.
Arguably the best player after Ronaldo at Real Madrid, it is no surprise to see Benzema's name on this list.
The French star signed a lucrative deal to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad football club on a three-year deal in June last year.
The move is aimed at increasing the earnings of the 2021/22 Ballon d'Or holder as he currently earns €96m.
The Manchester City ace is also one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.
Haaland's exceptional performance and achievements at the club have earned him this status.
Despite missing the final seven matches of the 2023 season due to injury, Haaland still topped the scoring charts with 44 goals in 54 appearances.
With an annual income of €52m, the Norwegian star is the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
Upon his return from injury, Haaland will be looking to secure a second Premier League Golden Boot.
The Reds are enjoying a superb campaign in 2023/24 as they sit top of the Premier League table after 20 games, thanks to Salah's incredible performance.
The Egyptian winger is now leaning towards a new extension, quashing speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia this year.
Salah occupies the 7th position on this list with a staggering €48m.
Mane is often considered one of the greatest African players of all time after his sterling performance at Liverpool, and Bayern Munich including his achievements at the international level.
The Senegalese had his annual earnings topped up after joining the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in August 2023. Mane, according to Forbes, earned €47m last year.
The Manchester City ace is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation as well as one of the best midfielders in the world.
The Belgian star has solidified himself as not just one of the highest earners but also one of the greatest players mesmerizing the world of football.
His immense contributions were highly instrumental in Manchester City's trophy collections last year.
De Bruyne, who is regarded as the king of assist ranks no.9 on this list with €35m.
Former Tottenham star, Harry Kane has enjoyed a sensational start to his Bayern Munich career and is already racking up records, goals, and assists.
Kane has continued with the sterling performance he is known for in England, netting 18 goals in his first 12 Bundesliga matches.
The England star ranks no. 10 in the list of highest-paid footballers with €33m.
With rumors swirling of record-breaking transfer fees for top players, the race to be the highest-paid footballer is more competitive than ever.
And at the top of this list is Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo who made headlines with his move to Saudi Arabia's side Al-Nassr.
His controversial move from Manchester United to the Saudi Pro League set Ronaldo to earn a staggering amount, with reports indicating his total package could surpass €200 million per year according to Forbes.
Forbes' list reflects the influence of the Saudi Pro League, with four players from the league in the top 11 earners worldwide, including Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane.
Following closely behind Ronaldo is Lionel Messi, who recently left PSG for MLS club Inter Miami in a highly publicized transfer.
The Argentine World Cup winner also earns a significant salary, with endorsements and business ventures adding to his massive income.
Other top earners include Neymar, who continues to rake in millions in Saudi Arabia, and Kylian Mbappe, whose future earnings are the subject of intense speculation as he approaches the end of his stay at PSG.
In this article, we highlight the list of ten highest-paid footballers according to Forbes:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
According to Forbes, Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer in the world in 2023, earning more than Lionel Messi and Neymar over the past year.Ronaldo is also ranked as the highest-paid athlete overall, with total earnings of €235 million in 2023.
Ronaldo's contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, which he joined from Manchester United in January, is worth €200 million, and his endorsements from companies like Nike and Jacob & Co are valued at €35 million annually, according to Forbes.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is ranked second on the list with total earnings of €122m, boosted by his move to the MLS side Inter Miami.
Interestingly, the 8-time Ballon d'Or holder Messi is the first MLS player to appear in the top 10 since David Beckham in 2012.
3. Neymar
The Brazilian forward rounds out the top three with €101m in total earnings after leaving PSG to join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in August.
4. Kylian Mbappe
The French man comes in next on the rankings, narrowly behind his former PSG teammate Neymar, with total earnings of €99m.
5. Karim Benzema
Arguably the best player after Ronaldo at Real Madrid, it is no surprise to see Benzema's name on this list.
The French star signed a lucrative deal to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad football club on a three-year deal in June last year.
The move is aimed at increasing the earnings of the 2021/22 Ballon d'Or holder as he currently earns €96m.
6. Erling Haaland
The Manchester City ace is also one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.
Haaland's exceptional performance and achievements at the club have earned him this status.
Despite missing the final seven matches of the 2023 season due to injury, Haaland still topped the scoring charts with 44 goals in 54 appearances.
With an annual income of €52m, the Norwegian star is the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
Upon his return from injury, Haaland will be looking to secure a second Premier League Golden Boot.
7. Mohammed Salah
The Reds are enjoying a superb campaign in 2023/24 as they sit top of the Premier League table after 20 games, thanks to Salah's incredible performance.
The Egyptian winger is now leaning towards a new extension, quashing speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia this year.
Salah occupies the 7th position on this list with a staggering €48m.
8. Sadio Mane
Mane is often considered one of the greatest African players of all time after his sterling performance at Liverpool, and Bayern Munich including his achievements at the international level.
The Senegalese had his annual earnings topped up after joining the Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in August 2023. Mane, according to Forbes, earned €47m last year.
9. Kevin De Bruyne
The Manchester City ace is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation as well as one of the best midfielders in the world.
The Belgian star has solidified himself as not just one of the highest earners but also one of the greatest players mesmerizing the world of football.
His immense contributions were highly instrumental in Manchester City's trophy collections last year.
De Bruyne, who is regarded as the king of assist ranks no.9 on this list with €35m.
10. Harry Kane
Former Tottenham star, Harry Kane has enjoyed a sensational start to his Bayern Munich career and is already racking up records, goals, and assists.
Kane has continued with the sterling performance he is known for in England, netting 18 goals in his first 12 Bundesliga matches.
The England star ranks no. 10 in the list of highest-paid footballers with €33m.
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