Ronaldo Tops Earnings List; Yamal Makes Historic Debut at No. 10

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid player in the world for the 2025-26 season, according to a recent report by Forbes. The American business magazine’s rankings reflect estimated on-field earnings, including base salaries, bonuses, and image rights agreements. Ronaldo’s total earnings are projected to reach an impressive $280 million before taxes and agents’ fees.

The Portuguese star, now 40 years old, signed a new two-year contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in June. During the upcoming season, Ronaldo is expected to earn $230 million from his club and an additional $50 million from off-field ventures. Ronaldo has asserted that he has no intentions of retiring soon, stating he is “still producing good things.” He continues to lead the Forbes list for the sixth time in the past decade.

In a surprising twist, Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old talent from Barcelona, has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to appear in the Forbes soccer earnings list, landing at No. 10. Yamal, who recently inherited Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi, is projected to earn $43 million this season. He signed a remarkable ten-year contract with the club in May, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, is the only other player to appear in the top 10, ranking second with estimated earnings of $130 million for the year. His income includes $60 million from on-field activities and a substantial $70 million from endorsements with brands like Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard.

Ronaldo’s teammate at Al Nassr, Riyad Mahrez, ranks third with projected earnings of $104 million, which includes $100 million from club activities and around $4 million from off-field earnings.

The list also includes several notable players from LaLiga. Karim Benzema comes in fourth with expected earnings of $95 million, while Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah rank fifth and seventh, with estimates of $80 million and $55 million, respectively.

Overall, the ten highest-paid soccer players are set to amass a record total of $945 million this season, representing a nearly 4% decline from last year’s earnings of $983 million. Notably, Brazilian forward Neymar, who was third on last year’s list, has dropped out after returning to his boyhood club, Flamengo.

The complete list of the highest-paid soccer players according to Forbes for the 2025 season features the following:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 million (On-field: $230 million, Off-field: $50 million)
2. Lionel Messi – $130 million (On-field: $60 million, Off-field: $70 million)
3. Riyad Mahrez – $104 million (On-field: $100 million, Off-field: $4 million)
4. Karim Benzema – $95 million (On-field: $70 million, Off-field: $25 million)
5. Erling Haaland – $80 million (On-field: $60 million, Off-field: $20 million)
6. Mohamed Salah – $60 million (On-field: $40 million, Off-field: $20 million)
7. Mohamed Salah – $55 million (On-field: $35 million, Off-field: $20 million)
8. Sadio Mané – $54 million (On-field: $50 million, Off-field: $4 million)
9. Antoine Griezmann – $44 million (On-field: $29 million, Off-field: $15 million)
10. Lamine Yamal – $43 million (On-field: $33 million, Off-field: $10 million)

These earnings underscore the financial power of soccer and the lucrative opportunities that come with success on the field.