The star of the Portugal national team and player of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, will be the highest-paid footballer in the world in the 2025-26 season.
This is evidenced by a new ranking from Forbes. According to the journalists' estimates, Ronaldo's earnings at Al-Nassr this season will amount to $230 million. Advertising contracts will bring the 40-year-old athlete another $50 million, making his total income $280 million.
At the same time, the 38-year-old Argentine Lionel Messi will earn a significantly lower amount. His projected income will reach $130 million.
Karim Benzema landed in third place in the ranking. The 37-year-old Frenchman is expected to earn $104 million this season.
Top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world
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Cristiano Ronaldo, 40 years old – $280 million.
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Lionel Messi, 38 years old – $130 million.
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Karim Benzema, 37 years old – $104 million.
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Kylian Mbappé, 26 years old – $95 million.
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Erling Haaland, 25 years old – $80 million.
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Vinícius Júnior, 25 years old – $60 million.
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Mohamed Salah, 33 years old – $55 million.
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Sadio Mané, 33 years old – $54 million.
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Jude Bellingham, 22 years old – $44 million.
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Lamine Yamal, 18 years old – $43 million.
Together, the ten richest footballers in the world will earn approximately $945 million during the current season.
