The richest footballers 2025 list, released by Forbes on October 16, 2025, showcases the unparalleled financial power of global soccer stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo reclaiming the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive year. The Portuguese icon’s $280 million haul—fueled by his Al-Nassr salary, endorsements, and business ventures—highlights how football’s elite have turned athletic prowess into billion-dollar empires. From Ronaldo’s Saudi dominance to Lionel Messi’s MLS revolution, the richest footballers 2025 rankings reveal a blend of on-pitch brilliance and off-field savvy.
Richest Footballers 2025: Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes List with $280M Earnings
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 Million
The richest footballers 2025 crown belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose $280 million earnings cement his status as soccer’s financial kingpin. The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward earns $200 million annually from his Saudi Pro League contract, extended to 2027 in June 2025, including a 15% club stake valued at $50 million. Off-field, Ronaldo’s $18 million Nike deal, renewed in 2024, and partnerships with Armani, Binance, Tag Heuer, and Louis Vuitton add $80 million. His CR7 brand—fragrances, underwear, and hotels—generates $30 million yearly, while 665 million Instagram followers drive $100 million in sponsorships.
Ronaldo’s wealth trajectory is staggering: from $15 million in his 2003 Manchester United debut to billionaire status in 2023, per Bloomberg. The richest footballers 2025 leader’s 102 Al-Nassr goals since 2022 have boosted the league’s TV rights by 40%, making him a Saudi tourism ambassador. Fans celebrate his ascent, with one posting, “CR7 from Madeira to billionaire—true GOAT!”
2. Lionel Messi – $130 Million
Rounding out the richest footballers 2025 at No. 2 is Lionel Messi, whose $130 million haul blends MLS earnings with global branding. The 38-year-old Inter Miami star’s $65 million salary, including equity upon retirement, anchors his income. Off-field, Messi’s Adidas lifetime deal ($15 million annually), Pepsi, and Apple TV MLS broadcasts add $65 million. His 2025 Inter Miami form—29 goals and 14 assists in 30 MLS matches—has elevated the club’s revenue to $300 million, up from $60 million pre-arrival.
Messi’s wealth, totaling $900 million net worth, stems from 880 career goals and 389 assists, including a 2025 Leagues Cup hat-trick against Seattle Sounders. The richest footballers 2025 second-placer’s 2023 MLS move revolutionized the league, boosting attendance by 40% and viewership by 25%. His hinted international retirement after 2026, as stated post-Venezuela qualifier on September 4, 2025, adds poignancy to his financial peak.
3. Karim Benzema – $104 Million
The richest footballers 2025 podium is completed by Karim Benzema, whose $104 million earnings reflect his Ballon d’Or-winning form at Al-Ittihad. The 37-year-old’s $100 million annual contract, signed in 2023, includes bonuses for 18 goals in 2024-25. Endorsements with Adidas, Hublot, and EA Sports add $4 million. Benzema’s 2025 resurgence—12 goals in 10 Saudi Pro League games—has Al-Ittihad third, with his 354 Real Madrid goals (2010-22) and 2022 Ballon d’Or fueling his brand.
Benzema’s wealth, totaling $200 million, contrasts his humble Lyon roots. The richest footballers 2025 third-placer’s Saudi move, like Ronaldo’s, leverages tax-free income, boosting the league’s €1.5 billion investment. Fans praise his consistency, posting, “Benzema’s silent killer—€104m earned!”
4. Kylian Mbappé – $95 Million
The richest footballers 2025 at No. 4 is Kylian Mbappé, whose $95 million haul underscores his Real Madrid ascent. The 26-year-old’s €15 million salary, plus €20 million in bonuses, anchors his income. Nike’s $20 million lifetime deal and endorsements with Hublot, Oakley, and EA Sports add $40 million. Mbappé’s 2025-26 La Liga form—10 goals in eight games—has Real Madrid leading, with his 40 goals in 42 La Liga appearances matching Ronaldo’s early record.
Mbappé’s $200 million net worth, including a €180 million PSG exit bonus in 2024, positions him for billionaire status by 2030. The richest footballers 2025 fourth-placer’s 48 international goals for France fuel his 2026 World Cup ambitions. Fans hail his versatility, with one commenting, “Mbappé’s the future—$95m at 26!”
5. Erling Haaland – $80 Million
Rounding out the richest footballers 2025 is Erling Haaland, whose $80 million earnings highlight Manchester City’s dominance. The 25-year-old’s €30 million salary, plus €10 million bonuses, leads his haul. Nike’s €15 million deal and endorsements with EA Sports and Tag Heuer add €25 million. Haaland’s 2025-26 Premier League form—35 goals in 38 games—has City unbeaten, with his 50 Champions League goals in 49 games a record.
Haaland’s $150 million net worth, from Dortmund (€60 million transfer) and City, positions him for a Golden Boot repeat. The richest footballers 2025 fifth-placer’s 130 City goals in 151 matches average 0.86 per game. Fans marvel at his finishing, posting, “Haaland’s a machine—$80m at 25!”
The Financial Landscape of Modern Football
The richest footballer 2025 list underscores soccer’s economic boom. Forbes’ total earnings for the top 10 exceed $1 billion, with Saudi Pro League deals like Ronaldo’s $400 million and Benzema’s $100 million revolutionizing salaries. Messi’s MLS shift, boosting Inter Miami’s revenue to $300 million, and Mbappé’s Real Madrid move highlight the global shift. The richest footballers 2025 earnings, including Messi’s 389 assists and Haaland’s 0.98 xG per 90 minutes, blend athletic excellence with branding.
Conclusion: Ronaldo’s Reign Continues
The richest footballers 2025 list cements Cristiano Ronaldo’s financial supremacy, with $280 million earnings leading Messi, Benzema, Mbappé, and Haaland. From humble beginnings to billionaire status, Ronaldo’s empire inspires. As soccer’s wealth grows, who will top 2026? Share your thoughts on the richest footballers 2025 below!
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first billionaire football player, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, thanks to a huge Saudi deal in the twilight of his career.
Here’s how his wealth stacks up: https://t.co/eW1MTtJBPp
📷: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/Ve3abAXz0e
— Bloomberg (@business) October 8, 2025
FAQs: Richest Footballers 2025
- Who is the richest footballer in 2025? Cristiano Ronaldo, with $280 million earnings.
- How much does Messi earn in 2025? $130 million, primarily from Inter Miami and endorsements.
- What is Benzema’s earnings source? His $100 million Al-Ittihad contract and $4 million endorsements.
- How many goals has Mbappé scored in La Liga 2025? 10 in eight games.
- What’s Haaland’s career at City? 130 goals in 151 matches.
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