Top 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Players | 2024

Soccer is a modern, revenue-spinning sport that generates massive levels of income, with the earnings of the highest-paid soccer players in the world having grown exponentially over the years.

In the last two decades, the English Premier League has seen a financial boom, thanks to its ability to pay large transfer fees and high wages.

However, financial regulations in Europe, known as Financial Fair Play, restrict clubs from spending more than they earn. This means that even the richest leagues, like the Big Five in Europe, have limits to their financial extravagance.

However, the Saudi Pro League is now one of the richest in world football and can write as many checks with too many zeroes as they please, thanks to their deep well of financial resources.

In the 2023 summer transfer window alone, Saudi clubs splurged nearly $1 billion to acquire 94 players from Europe and beyond.

As a result, the Saudi Arabian top league has become a new hotspot for soccer players looking to secure hefty paychecks.

The considerable amount of money available in the league makes it an attractive destination for those seeking lucrative salaries.

This list provides estimates of how much each player is expected to earn in 2024.

This includes payments from their teams as well as income from off-field activities, such as sponsorship deals.

Caveat: This list was compiled based on Forbes’ official data.

The on-field earnings includes all prize money, salaries, and bonuses, while off-field earnings are estimated, taking into account sponsorship deals, partnerships, image rights, and returns from businesses they operate.

Who Is The Highest-Paid Soccer Player In 2024?

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – 0 million

A legendary Portuguese forward continues to command the top spot in earnings.

With a total income of $260 million, his on-field prowess contributes significantly to this figure, while lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures supplement his income off the field.

Now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is making the most of his fame by appearing in promotional activities.

He was featured in a video wearing traditional Saudi clothes for the National Day celebration and promoted the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou boxing match in Riyadh.

Off the pitch, Ronaldo is actively endorsing brands like Clear, Herbalife, and Binance on his Instagram, showing his dedication to supporting different products and events.

This highlights his continued use of star power for various promotions.

2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – 5 million

Lionel Messi, an icon of Argentine soccer, has moved to Inter Miami, making waves not just on the pitch but also in the financial aspect.

The Messi phenomenon is causing a significant impact not only on ticket demand and prices for Inter Miami but also for clubs across Major League Soccer (MLS).

A clear example of this phenomenon was seen in October when Inter Miami played against the Chicago Fire.

Despite Messi being sidelined due to injury, the match drew a record-breaking 62,124 fans at Soldier Field.

The revenue generated from this single game, reported to be between $7 million to $10 million, surpassed the total income from all of Chicago Fire’s home games throughout the season.

The ripple effect of Messi’s presence in the U.S. extends to off pitch, as evidenced by the Apple TV+ documentary titled “Messi Meets America.”

This documentary provides an intimate look at Messi’s arrival and impact on American soil, capturing the excitement and anticipation surrounding the soccer superstar’s presence in the country.

3. Neymar (Al Hilal) – 2 million

The Brazilian sensation Neymar, now with Al Hilal, ranks third in earnings.

Known for his flair and skill, Neymar’s brand value is evident in his $112 million income, fueled by both his on-field performance and lucrative off-field endorsements.

Off the field, Neymar continues to maintain a high level of activity, backed by a list of prominent sponsors such as Puma, Konami, and Red Bull. Beyond these well-established partnerships.

Neymar has recently expanded his portfolio by announcing a collaboration with Team Campline, a Portuguese horse breeding farm.

This move not only showcases Neymar’s versatility in endorsing products and brands but also emphasizes his interest in diverse ventures beyond the realm of traditional sports sponsorships.

4. Kylian Mbappe (PSG) – 0 million

At just 24 years old, Mbappe is a force to be reckoned with on and off the field.

Playing for PSG, Mbappe’s $110 million income reflects his exceptional talent and marketability, making him one of the highest-earning players in the world.

Once considered the biggest spenders in the world, PSG has faced stiff competition from Middle Eastern-backed clubs in recent times.

Despite this financial rivalry, PSG continues to prove its prowess in spending, even though it has not translated into UEFA Champions League success.

Kylian Mbappe, in particular, held the title of the world’s highest-paid footballer when he initially signed with PSG.

Interestingly, despite expressing his desire to play for Real Madrid on multiple occasions, Mbappe chose to stay with PSG.

His commitment to Paris was solidified through a deal that reportedly grants him a significant level of influence, allowing him control over coaching appointments and player recruitment.

This decision marked a major moment in Mbappe’s career, proving his dedication to PSG and the unique terms negotiated in his contract.

5. Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – 6 million

The French striker has found success with Al Ittihad, contributing significantly to his $106 million income.

With the majority of earnings coming from on-field activities, Benzema’s off-field ventures also play a role in his overall financial success.

During their shared tenure at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema found himself inevitably overshadowed by the presence of Ronaldo. Despite both players now pursuing their careers in Saudi Arabia for different clubs, Ronaldo still holds a slight advantage in terms of salary.

On the field, Benzema may emerge as the more successful player.

Apart from being three years younger than Ronaldo, he plays for the reigning champions of Saudi Arabia. The club is widely regarded as the most successful team in the history of Saudi football.

With the addition of the brilliant Benzema to their list of star players, Al-Ittihad becomes a strong contender for retaining the title in the upcoming season.

6. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – million

The Norwegian goal-scoring sensation has made a mark in the soccer world.

Playing for Manchester City, Haaland’s $58 million income is a testament to his goal-scoring prowess on the field and his marketability off it.

Erling Haaland’s arrival in Manchester in 2022 wasn’t his first encounter with the city. His father had previously played for Manchester City in the early 2000s, a period that produced a now-iconic photograph of a young Haaland Jr donning a City shirt.

On the pitch, Haaland quickly made a remarkable impact, scoring an impressive 25 goals in his first 19 Premier League appearances.

This extraordinary record solidified his status as the rising global superstar in the world of football.

Off the field, he has secured a lucrative endorsement deal with Nike, showing his marketability beyond the game.

Also, he had the honor of gracing the cover of the EA Sports FC 2024 video game.

The video game underwent a rebranding after EA’s partnership with FIFA came to an end, highlighting Haaland’s growing influence in the realm of sports marketing.

7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – million

The Egyptian forward continues to shine at Liverpool.

His $53 million income is a combination of stellar on-field performances and lucrative off-field endorsements.

Mo Salah was on the verge of becoming the most expensive soccer signing in Saudi history, with Al Ittihad reportedly putting forward an astonishing $190 million transfer fee.

Despite the lucrative offer, Liverpool chose to reject it, securing Salah’s continued presence at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

Salah’s remarkable contributions to Liverpool’s success on the field have undeniably elevated his status, making him a highly coveted player.

Off the soccer pitch, Mo Salah has established significant off-field partnerships.

One of the notable deals in his portfolio is a substantial boot deal with Adidas, highlighting his marketability in the world of sports endorsements.

In addition to Adidas, Salah has secured deals with prominent brands such as Pepsi and Vodafone, further expanding his presence in the commercial sphere.

8. Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – million

Sadio Mané has etched his name in the annals of Senegal’s soccer history, emerging as one of the nation’s most prolific players with an impressive record of 37 career goals leading its national team.

His success extends to his club career, notably sharing the Premier League’s Golden Boot with former teammate Salah at Liverpool in the 2018-19 season.

After a prosperous stint with Liverpool, Mané made a noteworthy move to Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich in 2022.

However, despite his talents, the Senegalese winger faced challenges during his time in Germany, prompting a major transfer to the Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr.

The Senegalese winger contributes significantly to Al Nassr’s success. With a total income of $52 million, Mané’s on-field excellence and modest off-field earnings make him a key player in the Saudi Arabian League.

His move to Al Nassr has not only marked a new chapter in Mané’s career but has also secured his status as the highest-paid African footballer in the world, in terms of on-the-pitch wages.

The mega-money deal with New Balance reflects the recognition of Mané’s exceptional skills and the value he brings to the sport.

9. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – million

Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne, playing for Manchester City, has a total income of $39 million.

Undoubtedly considered one of the Premier League’s finest, Kevin De Bruyne holds the record of being the highest-paid footballer in England. I

In 2023, he added to his off-field success by securing an endorsement deal with McDonald’s, a partnership that will see him promoted in his home country of Belgium.

While Kevin De Bruyne’s off-field brand is thriving, his on-field contributions for Manchester City faced a temporary setback after the season opener.

However, following a stint recovering from hamstring surgery, he made a big return, showing his skill and impact.

This comeback was particularly notable in an FA Cup 3rd round tie against Huddersfield, where De Bruyne marked his return with a sweet assist, reaffirming his significance on the pitch for Manchester City.

10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – million

Harry Kane, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the modern era and arguably the Premier League’s best in the last decade, left a lasting legacy at his boyhood club, Tottenham, where he became the record goalscorer.

Despite his success, the lack of silverware prompted a departure, leading him to Germany in 2023.

Kane sealed a €100 million move to Bayern Munich.

This move not only marked a new chapter in his career but also elevated his earnings, making him the highest-paid British professional footballer in the world for the 2023/24 season.

Off the pitch, Kane expanded his brand influence by signing a multi-year partnership with Fanatics.

Notably, he became the first British athlete to exclusively partner with the company’s autographs and memorabilia division.

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