The 10 highest paid soccer players in the world

Soccer may be the world’s most popular sport, but for a few elite players, it’s also one of the most lucrative careers out there. If your child is a soccer fan, they might already know names like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. But did you know these stars earn tens (sometimes hundreds) of millions every year?

We’re breaking down the top 10 highest paid soccer players in the world, how they make their money, and a few valuable money lessons families can take from their rise to the top.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (~$285 million)

Ronaldo tops the charts with a massive income from both on-field contracts and off-field endorsements. Currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, he reportedly earns $220 million from club wages and another $65 million from sponsorships and business ventures that include his lifetime deal with Nike and his CR7 brand.

2. Lionel Messi (~$135 million)

Messi continues to be a marketing powerhouse. His $60 million in on-field earnings include his salary from Inter Miami and profit sharing with Adidas and Apple. His off-field endorsements include deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. 

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

3. Neymar Jr. (~$110 million)

Now playing with Al-Hilal, Neymar’s earnings include a hefty club salary of $80 million and lucrative brand deals off the field with companies like Puma, Red Bull, and Gillette.

4. Karim Benzema (~$106 million)

Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia came with a giant paycheck, reportedly earning over $100 million annually, double his previous earnings with Real Madrid. He also has an endorsement deal with Adidas. 

5. Kylian Mbappé (~$90 million)

The French forward earns an estimated $70 million with Real Madrid after leaving PSG in 2024. His estimated $20 million in off-field endorsements include deals with Nike, Dior, Hublot, and Oakley.

6. Erling Haaland (~$60 million)

Manchester City’s breakout striker is not only scoring goals but also scoring big with endorsement deals. His estimated $46 million in on-field earnings come from his salary and bonuses from trophy wins. Only age 24, his brand earnings are growing and currently include Nike, Hyperice investment, and EA Sports.

7. Vinícius Jr. (~$55 million)

A rising star for Real Madrid, Vinícius is gaining traction with younger audiences and global brands alike. He earns an estimated $40 million on the field, while endorsement deals from companies like Nike, Gatorade, Pepsi, EA Sports, and Louis Vuitton account for the rest of his earnings. 

8. Riyad Mahrez (~$56 million)

After moving to Al-Ahli from Manchester City, Mahrez’s salary jumped to an estimated $53.6 million. He makes additional off-field earnings with endorsements from Nike and Pepsi. 

9. Mohamed Salah (~$53 million)

A Liverpool legend, Salah’s steady salary and global brand appeal make him a consistent earner. His income breaks down to an estimated $35 million from his salary and the rest coming off the field from endorsement deals that include Adidas, Pepsi, Vodafone, and Gucci.

10. Sadio Mané (~$52 million)

Mané’s recent move to Al-Nassr boosted his pay significantly, believed to have quadrupled his earnings to an estimated $48 million per year. His off-field earnings of $4 million include a deal with Puma.

What families can take away from this list

These eye-popping numbers may be fun to read, but they also offer a few lessons worth sharing with your kids, especially when it comes to managing and growing money wisely:

• Hard work pays off: Every player on this list has spent years training, practicing, and pushing themselves. Discipline and commitment are major ingredients in financial success.

• Multiple income streams matter: Many of these athletes earn just as much — or more — off the field. Take Lionel Messi’s deal with Apple, where he receives a share of streaming subscriptions. It’s a smart reminder that diversifying income (think: part-time jobs, side hustles, or investments) can offer financial stability and growth.

• Investing in your future is key: Neymar and Ronaldo have invested in businesses, fashion brands, and even tech startups. Whether it’s investing money or time into building skills, long-term thinking helps grow wealth.

• Smart partnerships can multiply your earnings: Messi’s decision to accept equity and profit-sharing deals rather than just cash shows how creative deals can lead to bigger returns.

• Giving back has value too: Players like Mané and Rashford are proof that success can be a vehicle for good. They’ve used their earnings to support education and community programs, showing that earning money is also about your ability to help others.

These lessons go beyond the pitch and into everyday life. Teaching kids to think about money in creative, thoughtful ways can empower them to make wise decisions now — and later.

Make family finances fun. With Greenlight’s award-winning debit card and app for kids and teens, financial literacy is one step away. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

†Valid for new customers only. Subject to identity verification and minimum load requirements. Your first monthly fee will be billed to your parent wallet seven days after successful registration. To receive a refund of your first monthly fee, you must request to close your account on or before the day immediately preceding your first Monthly Billing Date. See the ‘Account’ tab of Settings by tapping the gear icon on the Greenlight app home page to confirm when your risk-free trial ends. See Terms for details.