Football’s money game has changed dramatically over the past few years. With the rapid rise of the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer’s aggressive recruitment, and European giants fighting to hold onto their stars, player salaries have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels.
In 2025, some of the world’s most iconic players are earning sums that were unimaginable a decade ago — both from club wages and massive endorsement deals. Here’s an updated list of the Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025 and what it means for the future of the sport.
📊 Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2025
| Rank | Player | Club / League | Weekly Salary | Annual Earnings* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al‑Nassr (Saudi Pro League) | £3.3 million | £171.9 million |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami (MLS) | £2.1 million | £108 million |
| 3 | Neymar Jr. | Al‑Hilal (Saudi Pro League) | £1.7 million | £88 million |
| 4 | Karim Benzema | Al‑Ittihad (Saudi Pro League) | £1.6 million | £83 million |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid (LaLiga) | £1.38 million | £72 million |
| 6 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City (Premier League) | £920,000 | £48 million |
| 7 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool (Premier League) | £810,000 | £42 million |
| 8 | Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid (LaLiga) | £850,000 | £44 million |
| 9 | Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona (LaLiga) | £800,000 | £44 million |
| 10 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City (Premier League) | £1 million | £44 million |
*Estimates include salary and endorsements.
🔥 Financial Power Shifts in Football
The Saudi Pro League has transformed the financial dynamics of world football by offering salaries far beyond what most European clubs can match. Players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema were among the first elite stars to accept record-breaking contracts in the Gulf.
Major League Soccer has also made a statement with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami deal, including profit-sharing clauses, commercial rights, and equity options.
In Europe, while salaries remain high, only a few clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG are maintaining top-dollar packages for players like Mbappé, Haaland, and Salah.
📈 Why Are Salaries So High in 2025?
- Global Commercialization: Football has become a global business, with clubs tapping into huge markets in Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
- Streaming & Sponsorship Deals: Digital media rights and sponsorship revenue are breaking records, boosting player market values.
- Competition from Emerging Leagues: The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive investments have forced wage inflation worldwide.
- Player Branding: Modern footballers are global brands, generating millions in endorsements beyond pitch performance.
🌟 Who’s Missing From the List?
Notably absent are stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka. They remain top earners in their respective clubs but don’t crack the global top 10 due to the Gulf and MLS wage explosion.
👇 Conclusion
The football economy in 2025 is driven by a handful of superstars commanding record salaries. As Saudi clubs and Major League Soccer redefine what’s possible in terms of player wages, the global football landscape is shifting — and it’s going to be fascinating to watch how European clubs respond.
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