In 2025, football isn’t just a sport it’s a billion dollar battlefield. The world’s highest paid footballers are no longer just athletes; they’re global brands, entertainment icons, and investment magnets. Clubs and sponsors alike are shelling out staggering sums to claim even a few seasons of star power. But who tops the charts this year? Let's break down the highest-paid footballers on the planet, factoring in both salaries and off-the-pitch endorsement deals.

Top 5 Highest Paid Football Players in 2025

5  Neymar (Brazil) – $76 Million Total Earnings

• Salary: $46 million
   
• Endorsements: $30 million
   

Neymar’s tale has taken an unexpected turn. Once a guaranteed highlight-reel star at PSG, his switch to Al Hilal in 2023 looked promising—until injuries struck. A torn ACL. Then a hamstring issue. The result? A short-lived stint in Saudi Arabia, as the club tore up his contract. But Neymar isn't done. Now back with Santos, the club where it all began, he's still earning near $50 million a year—proof that star power pays, even when you're sidelined.

4 Kylian Mbappe (France) – $90 Million Total Earnings

• Salary: $70 million
   
• Endorsements: $20 million
   

Mbappe finally made the move everyone anticipated. Real Madrid landed the French phenom in 2024, signing him through 2029. His $70 million salary makes him the highest-paid player in European football. That’s a bold figure in a league with tight financial fair play rules—but Madrid is seeing returns already. While Barcelona fights to stay afloat financially, Los Blancos are reaping the benefits of Mbappe’s star power.

3 Karim Benzema (France) – $104 Million Total Earnings

• Salary: $100 million
   
• Endorsements: $4 million
   

Karim Benzema left the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad in 2023, cashing in with a monster $100 million salary. Expectations were high, but the results? Mixed. Just nine goals in his first season sparked whispers of discontent. Year two saw improvement—21 goals—but even then, Benzema couldn't quite escape the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the face of the league.

2 Lionel Messi (Argentina) – $135 Million Total Earnings

• Salary: $60 million
   
• Endorsements: $75 million
   

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami reshaped MLS forever. While his club salary hovers around $20 million, league-level partnerships—especially with giants like Apple and Adidas—skyrocketed his earnings. His total salary package? A cool $60 million. Add in $75 million in endorsements, and Messi continues to dominate off the field. Interestingly, he turned down a $500 million per year offer from Saudi Arabia, opting instead for a lifestyle change and a lasting legacy in North America.

1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – $261 Million Total Earnings

• Salary: $211 million
   
• Endorsements: $50 million
   

Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just leading the list—he’s obliterating it. After extending his deal with Al Nassr, he locked in a jaw-dropping $211 million salary. Add in his $50 million in endorsements, and he’s the highest-paid athlete in the world—by a massive margin. At nearly 40, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, both on the pitch and at the bank. His relentless drive, brand value, and global appeal remain unmatched.

Conclusion

From Europe to Saudi Arabia to the United States, the football landscape in 2025 is more global—and more lucrative—than ever before. Veteran icons like Ronaldo and Messi are still cashing in big, while newer faces like Mbappe are stepping into the spotlight. For Neymar and Benzema, it’s a mix of highs and hurdles. One thing’s certain: if you’ve got talent, fitness, and a massive social following, the game will pay you well—very well.