Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the highest-paid footballer in the world for the 2025–26 season, according to Forbes. The Portuguese superstar earned a staggering $280 million, marking the sixth time in the last ten years that he has led the rankings.
This milestone comes just days after Ronaldo, now 40 and playing for Saudi club Al Nassr, was named football’s first billionaire by Bloomberg.
Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Earnings
Ronaldo’s earnings are split into $230 million from on-field contracts, bonuses, and incentives, and $50 million from endorsements with major global brands such as Nike, Binance, and Herbalife.
His total income more than doubles that of second-place Lionel Messi, who earned $130 million this year. When asked about his longevity in football, Ronaldo dismissed retirement rumors, stating in an October interview, “I think I’m still producing good things; I’m helping my club and the national team. Why not keep going?”
In terms of single-year earnings, only boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has made more, with $300 million in 2015 and $285 million in 2018.
Top Earners: Messi, Benzema, Mbappé
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Lionel Messi ranks second with $130 million, driven largely by endorsements linked to his move to Inter Miami.
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Karim Benzema is third with $104 million, benefiting from his final-year contract at Saudi club Al Ittihad.
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Kylian Mbappé, newly signed by Real Madrid, earned $95 million and placed fourth.
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Erling Haaland is fifth with $80 million, following a record-breaking contract extension at Manchester City.
Other notable names in the top 10 include:
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Vinicius Jr. – $60 million
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Mohamed Salah – $55 million
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Sadio Mané – $54 million
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Jude Bellingham – $44 million
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Lamine Yamal – $43 million
At just 18 years old, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is the youngest footballer ever to appear on Forbes’ list, which has been published annually for 22 years.
Saudi Pro League Still Dominant
The Saudi Pro League maintains a strong presence in the rankings with three players—Ronaldo, Benzema, and Mané—despite a slight dip in influence after Neymar’s departure from Al Hilal to Brazil. Neymar, who earned $110 million last year, now makes a more modest $38 million at Santos, largely from endorsements.
La Liga Takes the Lead
La Liga leads all leagues in representation this year, with four players in the top 10: Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Bellingham, and Yamal. The Premier League follows with two (Haaland and Salah), while Messi remains the only Major League Soccer player in the top 10.
Youth Movement Signals Changing Era
The total earnings of the top 10 players reached $945 million, a slight 4% drop from last year due to Neymar’s exit. However, half of the list—five players—are under the age of 30, reflecting a growing generational shift in global football wealth.
For the first time in five years, the average age of the top 10 has dipped below 30, signaling a new era led by rising stars like Bellingham and Yamal. Yet, Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 40, continues to set the standard—not only in footballing excellence but also in commercial power.
Forbes Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers for 2025–26:
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – $280 million
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Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $130 million
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Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – $104 million
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Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – $95 million
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Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $80 million
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Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) – $60 million
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Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – $55 million
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Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – $54 million
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Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – $44 million
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Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – $43 million
Ronaldo’s continued dominance at the top of this list proves that even in the twilight of his career, his global appeal—and earning power—remain unmatched.
