In the ever-evolving world of soccer, financial figures can sometimes seem as outlandish as the players’ goal celebrations. Here’s a peek into the astonishing earnings of the globe’s top soccer stars for the 2025-2026 season, as shared by Forbes. At the very top of this list, unsurprisingly, is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese powerhouse still making headlines at the ripe age of 40. Just when some thought he might hang up his boots after an impressive run with Al-Nasser, Ronaldo stunned fans by signing a two-year extension. The verdict? He’s set to rake in an eye-popping $280 million this season. Talk about scoring off the field!
Ronaldo’s hefty pay packet comprises $230 million from his contract with Al-Nasser and an additional $50 million from lucrative endorsements with big names like Nike and Herbalife. It’s clear that the soccer legend is not just a player; he’s a brand. With this latest milestone, Ronaldo claims the top spot among the world’s highest-paid soccer players for the sixth time in the past decade. The only athlete surpassing his massive earnings while still active is boxer Floyd Mayweather, who once pocketed a whopping $300 million in a single year. It’s safe to say that while Ronaldo may play on the pitch, he’s also dominant in the realm of dollar signs.
Behind Ronaldo, there’s a recognizable name: Lionel Messi, who is currently plying his trade at Inter Miami. The Argentine maestro is projected to earn around $130 million this season. But let’s be honest—when you compare the two rivals, it feels like there’s a world of financial difference. Combined, the top ten soccer players are forecasted to earn a staggering $945 million during the 2025-2026 campaign. That’s quite the team effort, but it appears the competition is slightly down this year, with the cutoff for entry on the list rising to $43 million—quite the leap from Kevin De Bruyne’s $39 million last season.
Unfortunately for Neymar, once a regular fixture on the highest earners list, his financial prowess has taken a significant hit. After an early termination of his contract with Al-Nasser, he returned to his boyhood club Santos, taking a drastic pay cut in the process. This season, it’s estimated he’ll earn just $38 million, mostly from endorsements. Quite a drop for a player who once commanded $110 million a year!
As for the rest of the list, familiar faces continue to dominate. Karim Benzema figures in third place with a cool $14 million, followed closely by Kylian Mbappé at $95 million and Erling Haaland, whose talents at Manchester City are translating into a projected $60 million in salary. Even up-and-coming stars are getting in on the action. Vinicius Jr. is again on the list with expected earnings of $60 million. Not to be outdone, Jude Bellingham makes waves at only 22 years old, bringing in $44 million, solidifying the excitement around the younger generation of soccer talent.
In a sport where millions of fans tune in to watch the action, it’s clear that the financial game is just as thrilling. With such immense earnings and eye-popping contracts, these soccer stars are not just playing for glory but also for a piece of the ever-growing football pie. As the season unfolds and the stars continue to push the limits of the game, fans can only watch in awe—both at the skill on the field and the astronomical earnings that follow.
