Footballers continue to dominate the global sporting economy, with Cristiano Ronaldo reclaiming his position as the world’s highest-paid athlete for 2025.
Sportico’s latest rankings underline the sport’s unmatched earning power, with thirteen footballers making the top 100 list and several commanding staggering salaries both on and off the pitch.
The data reflects player earnings throughout 2025, combining salaries, performance bonuses, and endorsement income.
As the balance of financial power in global football shifts towards Saudi Arabia and Europe’s elite clubs, several familiar names remain among the top earners, while a new generation of stars is beginning to close the gap.
Football’s top earners inside the global top 40
Sportico’s 2026 list confirms that football continues to lead all sports in global reach and financial scale. Cristiano Ronaldo once again tops the rankings, his 2025 earnings reaching an extraordinary $260M.
Of that, $200M came from his playing contract with Al-Nassr and $60M from endorsements. The Portuguese icon’s commercial profile remains unmatched across global markets.
Lionel Messi followed in third place overall, earning $130M in total. The Argentine legend received $60M from salary and $70M through sponsorships, with brands still competing for his association as he winds down an unparalleled career at Inter Miami.
Karim Benzema ranked sixth with total earnings of $115M, including $110M in salary and $5M from endorsements. His contract in Saudi Arabia remains one of the most lucrative in football history.
Kylian Mbappe appeared in 12th place, collecting $95M in 2025. His Real Madrid salary accounted for $70M, while endorsements added another $25M. The French forward continues to be one of the most marketable athletes in world sport.
Erling Haaland ranked 18th with $77.9M, driven by $51.9M in salary and $26M in commercial deals. His partnership portfolio has grown rapidly alongside his goal-scoring reputation.
Neymar followed at 30th place with $60M in total, split between $40M in salary and $20M in endorsements. The Brazilian remains a commercial magnet despite ongoing fitness setbacks.
Rounding out the footballers in the top forty is Vinicius Junior, who earned $58M to secure 34th place. The Real Madrid star made $40M in salary and $18M in endorsements, further establishing himself as one of the sport’s leading global figures.
Rising names and established stars complete the football list
Outside the top forty, Mohamed Salah ranked 43rd overall, earning $54M through $34M in salary and $20M in endorsements. Riyad Mahrez followed in 45th place with $53.5M, most of it from his $52M salary in Saudi Arabia.
Sadio Mane featured in 52nd place, earning $50M. Harry Kane ranked 75th, collecting $43.3M, including $31.3M in salary and $12M in commercial partnerships since joining Bayern Munich.
Jude Bellingham, one of the youngest players on the list, placed 86th with total earnings of $39.5M, split between $26.5M in wages and $13M in endorsements.
Robert Lewandowski completed the football representation at 96th overall with $38M, combining $26M in salary and $12M through sponsorships. The Barcelona striker’s consistency both on the field and commercially continues to make him one of Europe’s most bankable names.
With established icons like Ronaldo and Messi still leading the way and emerging names such as Haaland, Vinicius, and Bellingham rapidly climbing the ranks, football’s commercial dominance shows no sign of slowing down.
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