Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers: How Ronaldo leads the pack in 2024
Football has always been more than just a game—it’s a global empire of passion, performance, and incredible wealth. In 2024, this sport is still breaking new boundaries, especially when it comes to the jaw-dropping salaries and endorsement deals its top players command. At the peak of this financial frenzy is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, whose staggering earnings put him ahead of Premier League powerhouses and football royalty from across the globe.
Here’s a detailed look into the world of the top 10 highest-paid footballers, with Ronaldo standing tall among the wealthiest athletes in history. Let’s explore how these stars are raking in millions both on and off the pitch.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League)
Total Earnings: $260 million
Salary: $200 million
Endorsements: $60 million
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has not only revitalized his career but also his bank balance. His $200 million salary from Al Nassr is an eye-watering sum, making him the world’s highest-paid footballer by a huge margin. Beyond his salary, Ronaldo’s brand empire—including his long-standing partnership with Nike and the ever-growing CR7 brand—continues to generate massive revenue.
2. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (MLS)
Total Earnings: $135 million
Salary: $75 million
Endorsements: $60 million
Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami might have been a new adventure in the MLS, but it’s done little to diminish his earnings. His salary is boosted by a part-ownership deal with the club, and his extensive endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and other major brands keep him among the top earners, even on a new continent.
3. Neymar Jr. – Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League)
Total Earnings: $120 million
Salary: $100 million
Endorsements: $20 million
Following Ronaldo’s path to Saudi Arabia, Neymar’s record-breaking move to Al-Hilal is another example of the kingdom’s ambition in football. His $100 million salary places him firmly in the top three, while endorsement deals with Puma and Red Bull maintain his status as a global superstar.
4. Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1)
Total Earnings: $110 million
Salary: $90 million
Endorsements: $20 million
Mbappé’s value continues to skyrocket, both on the field and in his wallet. His mammoth PSG salary is nearly unrivaled in European football, and as one of the brightest young stars, his endorsement portfolio is growing fast, with Nike and Hublot leading the charge.
5. Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)
Total Earnings: $105 million
Salary: $85 million
Endorsements: $20 million
Benzema’s high-profile move from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad solidifies Saudi Arabia as a new financial superpower in football. His incredible salary and endorsement deals show that, even at 36, Benzema is still a major force in both football and marketing.
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6. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (Premier League)
Total Earnings: $80 million
Salary: $50 million
Endorsements: $30 million
The Manchester City striker’s meteoric rise is reflected in his hefty salary and growing endorsement deals. Haaland is already a global superstar at just 23, with sponsorships from Nike and a future as one of the sport’s most marketable players.
7. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (Premier League)
Total Earnings: $75 million
Salary: $45 million
Endorsements: $30 million
Salah’s influence stretches far beyond the Premier League. His appeal in Africa and the Middle East, coupled with partnerships with Adidas and Pepsi, have propelled him into the ranks of football’s top earners. His consistency on the field makes him a valuable asset to brands across the globe.
8. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona (La Liga)
Total Earnings: $65 million
Salary: $40 million
Endorsements: $25 million
Lewandowski may have switched leagues, but his financial standing remains formidable. The Polish striker continues to dominate the football scene at Barcelona, and his marketing value remains strong with endorsements from Nike and Huawei.
9. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City (Premier League)
Total Earnings: $55 million
Salary: $35 million
Endorsements: $20 million
De Bruyne’s contributions to Manchester City’s success have not gone unnoticed, reflected in both his lucrative salary and endorsement deals. He is regarded as one of the best playmakers in the world, and his value off the field continues to grow.
10. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
Total Earnings: $50 million
Salary: $30 million
Endorsements: $20 million
Harry Kane’s recent move to Bayern Munich has increased his earnings significantly. As one of the most well-known English players, Kane’s commercial appeal remains strong, and he continues to strike deals with top brands like Nike.
Saudi Arabia’s Financial Power: The New Footballing Frontier
The presence of four Saudi Pro League players in this list—Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, and Messi—reflects a seismic shift in football’s financial epicenter. Saudi Arabia’s aggressive expansion into football has been supported by unprecedented salaries, turning the league into a destination for top-tier talent from Europe. The region’s financial backing is setting new benchmarks for player earnings, reshaping the landscape of global football.
The Premier League’s Dominance in Endorsements
While Saudi clubs are offering the highest salaries, Premier League players such as Haaland, Salah, and De Bruyne remain endorsement kings. Their global visibility and the league’s massive audience have helped them secure deals that bring in tens of millions of dollars beyond their salaries. The Premier League, with its unparalleled global reach, ensures its stars stay among the wealthiest athletes, even without matching the astronomical salaries offered elsewhere.
The King Still Reigns
Even at the age of 39, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to break records—not just on the pitch, but at the bank. His career longevity and marketing prowess have allowed him to maintain his status as the highest-paid footballer in the world, even as he plays outside Europe’s traditional powerhouses. His ability to continually attract commercial interest and command top salaries is a testament to his enduring greatness.
Football is no longer just about the sport—it’s about power, influence, and immense wealth. And in this world of riches, Cristiano Ronaldo still stands at the very top, proving that age is just a number when it comes to being the king of football’s financial empire.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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