From record-breaking deals to eye-watering salaries, these soccer stars are making headlines — and millions — in 2025. Check out the highest-paid players.
The world of soccer is not only about goals and trophies—it’s also about eye-popping paychecks. The sport continues to attract lucrative contracts, with some of its biggest stars making millions off the pitch, as well as on it.
From long-time legends to rising stars, the top earners have diversified their incomes, capitalizing on endorsement deals, exclusive sponsorships and global fame. The market for soccer talent has never been more profitable.
As clubs battle for dominance on the field, these athletes are winning big in the financial game. Some numbers might surprise you, as players secure deals that reflect their global influence and immense popularity.
Cristiano Ronaldo – £228 million per year
Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with his total earnings for 2025 estimated at £228 million. His massive salary comes from his contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, which is reported to be worth £175 million annually.
In addition to his soccer earnings, his off-field earnings from endorsements are substantial. His partnerships with global brands like Nike, Clear, and his CR7 brand continue to generate millions every year.
His marketability is unrivaled, and his brand transcends the sport of soccer. His global presence, both on and off the field, makes him a highly sought-after ambassador for brands looking to tap into his massive following.
Lionel Messi – £108 million per year
Lionel Messi‘s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami has not affected his financial dominance in soccer. In fact, his earnings have remained sky-high, with a reported £108 million annually. Of this, around £50 million comes from his contract with Inter Miami.
His brand value, however, is not limited to his salary; his lucrative endorsement deals contribute a substantial £58 million. Partnerships with Adidas, Apple, and Budweiser keep him firmly in the top ranks of sports’ highest earners.
Off the field, his ventures into business and partnerships with major tech companies and sports brands elevate his financial portfolio. He remains a globally recognized face in the sporting world, further contributing to his income.
Neymar Jr. – £88 million per year
Neymar Jr. made a surprising return to his roots by rejoining Santos FC, the Brazilian club where his career began. After a brief, injury-ridden spell at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, his decision to come back to Brazil was met with mixed reactions, but it also put him back among the top earners.
His deal with Santos is reported to be worth £88 million per year, including his base salary and lucrative endorsement contracts. Although he has moved away from the European soccer spotlight, he remains a global icon, with endorsement deals and business ventures that keep him financially on top.
Karim Benzema – £83 million per year
Karim Benzema, fresh off winning the Ballon d’Or, moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, where he now earns a substantial £83 million annually. His £70 million salary from the club makes up the lion’s share of his earnings.
In addition, he enjoys lucrative endorsement deals with global brands like Nike and luxury labels, contributing an extra £13 million to his annual income. His rise to financial success parallels his stellar on-field performance, as he remains one of the most marketable and well-respected figures in the world of soccer.
His move to Saudi Arabia has been a game-changer not only for his career but also for his earning potential. His Ballon d’Or win has enhanced his global profile, ensuring that his brand continues to grow.
Kylian Mbappé – £72 million per year
Kylian Mbappé made headlines in 2025 when he completed his highly anticipated move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. The French forward, one of the brightest stars in global soccer, signed a lucrative contract with the Spanish giants that solidified his position among the highest-paid players in the sport.
His yearly earnings are reported at £72 million, a figure that includes his salary, signing bonuses, and global sponsorship deals. His decision to join Real Madrid marks a new chapter in his career, where he looks to continue his rise as one of soccer’s most marketable and successful players.
Erling Haaland – £48 million per year
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation, has quickly become one of the top-paid players in the world. His £48 million annual income is derived from his contract with Manchester City, which provides him with a £35 million salary.
He also benefits from endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Hyperice, adding £13 million to his total earnings. The striker’s meteoric rise to stardom, combined with his incredible goal-scoring ability, has made him one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
His impact on soccer is undeniable, and his financial success reflects his rapidly growing influence. With a long career ahead, the Norwegian forward is poised to continue securing lucrative contracts and endorsement deals that will keep him among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Vinícius Júnior – £44 million per year
Vinícius Júnior has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in soccer, and his financial earnings reflect his rising star status. The Brazilian winger, who plays for Real Madrid, has an estimated annual income of £44 million.
Of this, £30 million comes from his contract with the Spanish giants, while his endorsement deals with Adidas and other major brands contribute an additional £14 million. His marketability and on-field success have made him one of the top earners among young soccer players.
His rise in the soccer world has been swift, and his global appeal has made him a sought-after figure for major brands. His combination of talent, charisma, and commercial appeal positions him for continued financial success as his career progresses.
Mohamed Salah – £42 million per year
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s star winger, continues to be one of the highest-paid soccer players, with a total annual income of £42 million. His soccer contract contributes £25 million to this sum, while his endorsement deals with global brands such as Adidas, Vodafone, and Pepsi bring in an additional £17 million.
His impact extends far beyond his soccer ability, as his philanthropic work and global recognition make him an attractive figure for top brands looking to capitalize on his influence. His brand is synonymous with success, both on the field and off.
His stellar performances in the Premier League, combined with his significant commercial appeal, ensure that he remains among the sport’s top earners. As he continues to be one of the most marketable athletes in the world, his earnings are expected to remain high for years to come.
Sadio Mané – £42 million per year
Sadio Mané’s move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia has elevated his earnings, making him one of the highest-paid players in 2025. The Senegalese forward earns £35 million from his contract with the club, with an additional £7 million generated from various endorsements.
His commercial appeal remains high, thanks to his status as a global sports icon and his associations with brands like New Balance. His move to the Saudi Pro League has enhanced his earning potential, and his continued success off the field ensures his financial standing remains strong.
Robert Lewandowski – £50 million per year
The Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, continues to shine as one of the highest-paid soccer players in 2025. After leaving Bayern Munich for FC Barcelona in 2022, he has quickly established himself as a top earner in La Liga.
His current contract, which is valued at £50 million annually, includes a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and significant sponsorship deals with brands such as Nike, Huawei and others.
Even as he nears the end of his playing career, his consistency on the pitch and his off-field endeavors help maintain his position as one of the world’s wealthiest soccer stars.
From: bolavip.com
