The top ten football players in the world still earn enormous wages and rich endorsement deals in 2024.
1. $285 million for Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo leads with an incredible $285 million at 39. He makes $65 million from endorsements, including his own CR-branded businesses, and $220 million from playing with Al Nassr. He has more than 900 million followers on social media.
2. $135 million for Lionel Messi
Messi, who is currently at Inter Miami, earns $135 million, which is divided between his contract ($60 million) and agreements with Apple TV, Adidas, and his production business, 525 Rosario, totaling $75 million. With 500 million Instagram followers, Messi’s impact is still felt around the world.
3. $110 million for Neymar
Neymar still makes $110 million, which includes $30 million off the field and $80 million on it, despite having a difficult season with Al Hilal because of injuries. His lucrative Saudi Arabian deal guarantees his ongoing prominence.
4. $104 million for Karim Benzema
Benzema earns $104 million while playing for Al Ittihad. Although his sponsorships only account for $4 million, his contract adds $100 million. Despite playing less last season due to injuries, he is now back to his best.
5. $90 million for Kylian Mbappé
Following his ideal transfer to Real Madrid, Mbappé makes $90 million. His endorsements generate $20 million, while his contract is worth $70 million. He and Paris Saint-Germain are now embroiled in a legal dispute over unpaid salaries.
6. $60 million for Erling Haaland
At 24, Haaland makes $60 million with Manchester City, which includes $14 million in sponsorships and $46 million on the field. His club has recently dominated and won significant titles thanks in large part to him.
7. $55 million for Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. has earned $55 million and established himself both on and off the field. He earns $15 million from endorsement deals with companies like Pepsi and PlayStation in addition to $40 million from his Real Madrid contract.
8. $53 million for Mohamed Salah
Salah makes $53 million and is well-known for his enormous influence in the Middle East and North Africa. He earns $18 million from Pepsi and Adidas endorsements in addition to $35 million at Liverpool.
9. $52 million for Sadio Mané
Mané makes $52 million with Al Nassr these days. He receives $4 million in sponsorships on top of his $48 million contract. He is well-known off the field for his charitable endeavors in Senegal.
10. $39 million for Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne, who completes the top 10, makes $39 million. After declining offers from Saudi Arabia to remain in England, he earns $35 million from his Manchester City contract and $4 million from endorsements.
In addition to dominating football, these athletes make the most of their financial success with astute business decisions and sponsorship deals.
