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10 Highest-Paid Players in the World

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In today’s football landscape, salaries have reached astronomical levels. As football globalizes and expands into new markets, from Saudi Arabia to the United States and Qatar, player wages have followed suit—soaring to heights unthinkable just a decade ago. What used to be a Europe-centric wage bubble has now expanded, with multiple regions competing to offer players the biggest paychecks imaginable.

At the heart of this shift lies a blend of ambition, money, and strategy. Wealthy club owners and national projects are investing heavily in football, often using salary as bait to draw star players into emerging leagues. While some players move for trophies or personal growth, others are clearly drawn by the financial rewards that come with these moves.

According to salary-tracking platform Capology, Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr sits atop the throne, pocketing a staggering $228 million annually. This figure translates to a jaw-dropping $4.3 million per week, making him by far the highest-paid footballer on the planet. His move to Saudi Arabia was more than just a transfer—it was a signal that the Gulf nation was serious about becoming a footballing powerhouse.

Interestingly, the highest-paid player in Europe—Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski—earns $38 million annually, a number that wouldn’t even crack the top five in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland isn’t far behind at $36.6 million. It’s a sign that even Europe’s elite clubs are being outpaced financially.

Notably absent from this list is Lionel Messi. While the Argentine legend remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world, the rankings considered only salaries—not bonuses or endorsements, which form a substantial part of Messi’s income. With those considered, he’d likely still be in the top tier.

Let’s break down the 10 highest-paid footballers in the world based solely on salary, league by league, player by player.

10. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal), N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad), and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – $28.5M/year
Tied for tenth place are four stars whose decisions reflect very different motives. Mitrovic, Milinkovic-Savic, and Kante were among the wave of stars lured by the Saudi Pro League in 2023’s summer spree. It was a time of unrestrained spending when clubs paid whatever it took to sign players with proven pedigree.

Harry Kane’s journey, however, was more traditional. He joined Bayern Munich in search of trophies and has finally begun reaping the rewards, both in silverware and in salary. Though his move was to a competitive European league, his pay packet still puts him on par with Saudi Arabia’s top earners.

9. Ivan Toney (Al Ahli) – $29M/year
Perhaps the most surprising name on this list is Ivan Toney. After a strong 2022/23 campaign at Brentford—cut short by a betting ban—he bounced back to form before ultimately cashing in with a move to Al Ahli. The deal reportedly cost the Saudi club £42 million and netted Toney a near-unbelievable salary. It’s a move that shocked many, given his potential to remain in Europe.

8. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – $35.6M/year
Mbappe’s inclusion at number eight is not due to a lack of market value but rather his personal choice. In pursuing his long-held dream of playing for Real Madrid, he accepted a significant pay cut—down from $82 million at PSG. Despite a rocky start, he has already scored 42 goals in 55 appearances. His current deal runs through 2029, but Madrid may look to extend it early if he maintains his form.

7. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $36.6M/year
Haaland became the Premier League’s highest-paid player following a January 2025 contract renewal. The raise puts him ahead of teammates and rivals alike, reaffirming his place as one of football’s most lethal strikers. With his performances matching his pay, City seem content with the investment.

6. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – $38M/year
Despite Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles, they remain committed to paying top dollar for top talent. Lewandowski, widely regarded as the best striker in the world when he joined Barça, had a slow start but has since found his form—netting 42 goals in 52 games. Even so, he’s currently just the fourth-highest-paid player at the club when bonuses are included.

5. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) – $39.5M/year
Koulibaly’s move to Chelsea in 2022 was met with optimism but didn’t go as planned. Just a year later, he jumped ship to Saudi Arabia, where he quickly reestablished himself as a defensive leader. With four team trophies already under his belt, the move has been vindicated—both in terms of performance and finances.

4. Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) – $45.6M/year
Once an equal star to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, Mane’s career took a detour after a disappointing stint at Bayern Munich. Injuries, poor form, and a public feud with Leroy Sane marred his time in Germany. At Al Nassr, however, he has found stability and a lucrative contract. While his career may have deviated from the elite European trajectory, Mane remains a beloved figure in Senegal and an influential force in Saudi football.

3. Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) – $59M/year
Mahrez, a vital cog in both Leicester City’s fairytale and Manchester City’s dominance, made a big-money move to Al Ahli after lifting the Champions League in 2023. At 34, he remains a creative spark for club and country. His decision to play in Asia hasn’t dulled his influence—he’s one of the most exciting players in the Saudi Pro League.

2. Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – $114M/year
After over a decade at Real Madrid, Benzema opted for a massive payday at Al Ittihad. His transition hasn’t been smooth, marred by conflicts with manager Marcelo Gallardo and adaptation struggles. Nonetheless, his 30 goals in 50 matches show he’s still got it. With Gallardo gone, Benzema may yet lead Al Ittihad to greater heights.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – $228M/year
No surprises here—Cristiano Ronaldo dominates the list. His 2023 transfer to Al Nassr wasn’t just a footballing decision but a geopolitical one, signaling Saudi Arabia’s intent to become a global football hub. The 40-year-old has scored 93 goals in 105 matches since arriving, but the elusive trophy with Al Nassr remains out of reach. Still, his brand power, goal output, and leadership continue to command the highest salary in world football.


Football is no longer just a game; it’s a business empire where club ambition meets personal legacy, and salaries often speak louder than silverware. From Riyadh to Madrid and Barcelona to Munich, footballers are earning more than ever, reshaping the sport’s geography in the process. The next few years may bring even bigger numbers, and perhaps, more unexpected names.

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