Ronaldo, Messi… See list of highest-paid footballers in 2024

Players like Ronaldo, Messi, Haaland, Mbappe, Salah, Neymar, and others are among the top 10 best paid footballers in the world in 2024.

These football players have a global impact that extends well beyond stadiums, making them more than just football stars.

Their success, which combines lucrative off-field partnerships with incredible on-field abilities, demonstrates how the round leather sports have developed into a massive industry. Ronaldo with $260 million surpassed Messi to claim the top spot.

Below is the list of top 10 most paid footballers in the world in 2024 according to Crispng.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, $260 Million)
Cristiano Ronaldo went above and beyond in 2024 to become the world’s highest paid football player in the world.
His earnings, which reach a whopping $260 million, attest to his extraordinary athleticism and unparalleled fame.

Ronaldo’s global appeal and success as a brand spokesman are demonstrated by his huge $46 million salary from playing football and even more substantial $90 million from product endorsements.
Ronaldo collaborates with well-known brands like Nike and Clear shampoo, which helps explain his remarkable income.

He is more than just a fantastic football player because of his enormous impact and  captivating personality. Ronaldo is a well-known personality in both business and sponsorships.

2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, $135M)
Messi, now with Inter Miami, proves that his magnetism extends beyond Barcelona. His on-field finesse and off-field endorsements solidify his status as one of the highest-paid players globally. Messi earns $65 million from his on-field activity.

His talent to amaze and inspire goes beyond the soccer field, cementing his spot as one of the best-paid and most impactful footballers in the world and that explains his $70 million from endorsements.

3. Neymar Jr (Al-Hilal, $112M)

Neymar possesses a dramatic flair for he beautiful game. He’s not only entertaining fans with his talents with Al Hilal, but he’s also building a substantial wealth with successful off-field ventures.

And that gets him a top 3 place in our list of highest earners in football in 2024.

4. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, $110M)

The French national team’s captain gained popularity rapidly and at a young age of 25 years, many refer to him as one of the greatest to have ever played football with frequent comparison to players like Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar.

He declined a record-breaking €715 million contract to play for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia for a single season. Maybe that’s because he already earns more than €101 million annually.

5. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, $106M)
Karim Benzema ended one of the greatest stints of any player for Real Madrid while also claiming the 2022 Ballon d’Or. He left the Spanish capital in 2023 to join Al-Ittihad.

With the decision to go to the Saudi Arabian league, comes a $106M annual deal.

6. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, $58M)

Haaland was bought by Manchester City in 2022 for €60 million and that has been compensated for itself since then. In his first 19 Premier League games, the Norwegian striker scored 25 goals.

Haaland has frequently been seen as a potential candidate for the title of world’s top striker during the last few years.
7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, $53M)
Right now, Mohamed Salah is among the world’s top forwards. Since moving to Liverpool in 2017, he has been making headlines.

The Egyptian King is still dominating the pitch with 210 goals in 417 appearances. His $53million annual salary puts him in seventh place on the list.

8. Sadio Mane (Al Nassr, $52 Million)

Now playing for Al Nassr, Sadio Mané demonstrates that quickness and accuracy can lead to wins as well as a position among the highest-paid athletes worldwide.

Mané earns about $52 million a year, largely because of the Saudi League’s enormous financial commitment to acquiring some of the biggest names in football in recent years.

9. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, $39M)
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne comes in at number nine on this list. The Belgian international has contributed significantly to City’s success since joining the team in 2015.

Five of the past seven Premier League titles have been won by City thanks in large part to De Bruyne. Due to his success, he makes around $39M million a year.

10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, $36M)

Harry Kane moved from Tottenham to Bayern Munich last summer as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski. and he spent nearly 15 years playing in the Premier League before leaving for Germany.

So far this season, the English man have scored 36 goals in 37 appearances for the German giants and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. He ranks 10th on this list as he earns approximately $36 million annually.
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