Cristiano Ronaldo consolidated his position as the best-paid football player in the world in the 2025-2026 season, according to a ranking released by Forbes on October 16, 2025. The Portuguese striker for Al-Nassr accumulates earnings estimated at 280 million dollars, equivalent to approximately 1.52 billion reais. The survey considers income on and off the field, totaling US$945 million among the top ten, reflecting a 15% increase in average salaries in elite football.
Vini Jr, from Real Madrid, stands out as the only Brazilian in the select group, occupying sixth position with 60 million dollars in total remuneration. The striker’s contract with the Spanish club, renewed in 2024, increased his value by 20% compared to the previous year, consolidating his rise in European football. Sua’s inclusion in the top 10 represents the strength of the new South American generation in the global transfer market.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads a group of ten footballers collectively earning $945 million this season, but as the sun sets on his legendary career, two young stars are stepping into the spotlight. https://t.co/uxTI69Rz7y
Illustration: Alice Lagarde for Forbes; Photos: Minas… pic.twitter.com/IZAescu8kx
— Forbes (@Forbes) October 16, 2025
Liderança consolidated from Ronaldo to Arábia Saudita
Cristiano Ronaldo reaches the $280 million annual mark for the sixth time in the decade, driven by bonuses and strategic commercial partnerships. Cerca’s $200 million is derived from endorsements, including deals with Nike and technology investments. Seu contract with Al-Nassr includes specific clauses for goals achieved in the field, structuring remuneration that combines base salary, performance incentives and global commercial revenues.
Messi, Benzema and the dominance of Arab clubs
Lionel Messi ranks second with $130 million on Inter Miami, maintaining global deals despite moving to Major League Soccer. The Argentinean continues to generate revenue through tourism promotion and international sponsorships, consolidating his impact on audiences and ticket sales. Karim Benzema closes the podium in third place with 104 million dollars in Al-Ittihad, reflecting the Saudi clubs’ strategy of attracting established veterans with high contracts.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): 280 million dollars.
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): 130 million dollars.
- Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): 104 million dollars.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): 95 million dollars.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): 80 million dollars.
Jovens talents raise salary level
Kylian Mbappé earns 95 million dollars on Real Madrid, setting initial salary records after his transfer in 2024. Erling Haaland follows with 80 million on Manchester City, both competing for individual prizes and raising the compensation limit for emerging players. Real Madrid includes three players on the list: Mbappé in fourth, Vini Jr in sixth and Jude Bellingham in ninth with 44 million dollars, consolidating the Spanish club’s dominance in financial revenue.
Presença from Premier League and Barcelona
Mohamed Salah earns $55 million in Liverpool, balancing salary and endorsements in a competitive league. Sadio Mané closes eighth place with 54 million on Al-Nassr, its migration to Arábia increasing income by 30%. MVXN 5
Final Composição and market trends
The ten highest-paid players accumulate $945 million in total earnings, excluding tournament prizes to prioritize fixed income. Clubes from Arábia Saudita and European leagues dominate the initial positions, reflecting billion-dollar investments and consolidated talent attraction strategies. Forbes considers base salaries, performance bonuses and commercial agreements to compose the ranking, using data from agents and clubs to estimate values for the 2025-2026 season.
