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Cristiano Ronaldo has once more finished the year as the world's highest-paid footballer with only two African players making Forbes' Top 10 list.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proven to be a financial powerhouse, finishing 2024 as the world’s highest-paid footballer with a staggering $285 million in earnings.
According to Forbes’ latest rankings, this marks the sixth time in the past decade that the Portuguese superstar has topped the list, reinforcing his position as football’s most lucrative player.
Despite a quieter year of spending by the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s financial clout remains unmatched, outpacing his longtime rival Lionel Messi by a significant margin.
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The Saudi Pro League’s spending may have cooled from its record-breaking $1 billion spree in 2023, but the checks for its top players continue to clear.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract, bolstered by lucrative commercial deals, helped him claim the top spot again.
Meanwhile, Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in the U.S., trails at second place with $135 million.
Both icons who have 13 Ballon d’Ors between them continue to dominate football’s financial landscape, but Ronaldo’s earnings set a new benchmark, making him the highest-paid footballer in history.
World's highest-paid footballers of 2024: Top 10 REVEALED as Ronaldo finishes 2024 in 1st place
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – $285 million
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Age: 39
Club: Al Nassr
Nationality: Portugal
On-Field: $220 million
Off-Field: $65 million
With over 1 billion followers across social media and a new YouTube channel that broke records, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the most marketable athlete globally.
His business ventures and endorsements, including Nike and Herbalife, keep him thriving off the field.
As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid footballer of all time, having netted nearly $2 billion over the course of his career.
2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $135 million
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Age: 37
Nationality: Argentina
On-Field: $60 million
Off-Field: $75 million
Messi continues to be a dominant force, especially off the field with deals from Adidas and Apple TV.
His presence in MLS has catapulted Inter Miami to success, and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has shown no signs of slowing down.
3. Neymar (Al Hilal) – $110 million
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Age: 32
Nationality: Brazil
On-Field: $80 million
Off-Field: $30 million
Despite injuries sidelining him for much of the season, Neymar's contract with Al Hilal, including extravagant perks, and his endorsement deals keep him among the top earners.
The former PSG and Barcelona star is the highest-paid Brazilian athlete of all time.
4. Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – $104 million
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Age: 36
Nationality: France
On-Field: $100 million
Off-Field: $4 million
Benzema has returned to form in the Saudi Pro League, having struggled in his debut season.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is collecting a hefty $100 million-per-year paycheck, the highest salary ever received by a French footballer.
This season, the former Real Madrid star has regained his scoring prowess while remaining a key figure for Al Ittihad.
5. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – $90 million
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Age: 25
Nationality: France
On-Field: $70 million
Off-Field: $20 million
After years of speculation, Mbappé finally joined Real Madrid this summer to complete his childhood dream.
While his on-field earnings remain high, his ongoing legal battle with PSG over unpaid wages adds intrigue to his financial story.
At Madrid, the France captain currently earns significantly less than he took home in France, but his mouth-watering endorsement deals sees him firmly sit in the Top 5.
As of 2024, Mbappe is the world’s highest paid athlete under the age of 25.
6. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $60 million
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Age: 24
Nationality: Norway
On-Field: $46 million
Off-Field: $14 million
Haaland’s goal-scoring exploits for Manchester City have translated into major earnings, and his future contract negotiations could push him even higher on the list.
The Norwegian goal-machine is also set to welcome his first child with longtime girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen.
7. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) – $55 million
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Age: 24
Nationality: Brazil
On-Field: $40 million
Off-Field: $15 million
Vinicius Jr. has become a global star with lucrative brand deals and a new long-term contract with Real Madrid, securing his financial future.
The Los Blancos no.7 is reportedly set to be crowned the Ballon d’Or winner later this month in Paris.
8. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – $53 million
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Age: 32
Nationality: Egypt
On-Field: $35 million
Off-Field: $18 million
Salah’s influence extends far beyond the Premier League, making him a highly sought-after brand ambassador in the Middle East and Africa.
As of 2024, Salah is the most-followed African footballer in the world and the highest-paid African footballer in the world.
9. Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – $52 million
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Age: 32
Nationality: Senegal
On-Field: $48 million
Off-Field: $4 million
Mané’s charitable endeavors in Senegal and his move to Al Nassr have helped him secure a spot among football’s highest earners.
He is the highest-paid athlete in Senegal’s history and has continuously gained plaudits for his philanthropic deeds.
10. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – $39 million
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Age: 33
Nationality: Belgium
On-Field: $35 million
Off-Field: $4 million
De Bruyne remains a key player for Manchester City and continues to turn down lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, keeping his focus on European football.
The Belgian midfield maestro is the highest-paid footballer in the Premier League.
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