Ronaldo, Messi Lead 2024 World’s Highest-Paid Footballers List

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the highest-paid footballer globally in 2024, according to Forbes, with earnings totaling $285 million. The 39-year-old Al Nassr player earns $220 million from his on-field activities and an additional $65 million from endorsements and his business ventures.

Ronaldo’s immense popularity continues to grow, with over 900 million followers across his social media platforms. His recent venture into YouTube has been successful, reaching over 1 million subscribers and accumulating more than 544 million views.

Lionel Messi takes second place with $135 million in earnings. The 37-year-old Argentine, now with Inter Miami, earns $60 million from his on-field contributions and $75 million from endorsements. Fresh off another Copa América win with Argentina, Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami’s success, helping the club top the MLS standings with 71 points.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers of 2024 (as highlighted by Forbes):

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $285 million
   • Club: Al Nassr
   • Age: 39
   • On-Field Earnings: $220 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $65 million
   • Social media dominance: Over 900 million followers and a booming YouTube channel.
2. Lionel Messi – $135 million
   • Club: Inter Miami
   • Age: 37
   • On-Field Earnings: $60 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $75 million
   • Key role in Inter Miami’s recent success.
3. Neymar – $110 million
   • Club: Al Hilal
   • Age: 32
   • On-Field Earnings: $80 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $30 million
   • Despite injuries, continues to attract major endorsements.
4. Karim Benzema – $104 million
   • Club: Al Ittihad
   • Age: 36
   • On-Field Earnings: $100 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $4 million
   • Back in form, scoring seven goals in six games this season.
5. Kylian Mbappé – $90 million
   • Club: Real Madrid
   • Age: 25
   • On-Field Earnings: $70 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $20 million
   • Involved in a legal dispute with PSG over unpaid wages.
6. Erling Haaland – $60 million
   • Club: Manchester City
   • Age: 24
   • On-Field Earnings: $46 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $14 million
   • Major success with Manchester City despite Norway’s struggles.
7. Vinícius Júnior – $55 million
   • Club: Real Madrid
   • Age: 24
   • On-Field Earnings: $40 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $15 million
   • Newcomer to the list, with partnerships from brands like PlayStation and Pepsi.
8. Mohamed Salah – $53 million
   • Club: Liverpool
   • Age: 32
   • On-Field Earnings: $35 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $18 million
   • Key figure in the Middle East and North Africa markets.
9. Sadio Mané – $52 million
   • Club: Al Nassr
   • Age: 32
   • On-Field Earnings: $48 million
   • Off-Field Earnings: $4 million
   • Noted for his charitable works in Senegal.
10. Kevin De Bruyne – $39 million

• Club: Manchester City
• Age: 33
• On-Field Earnings: $35 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $4 million
• Turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to remain in Manchester.

The earnings list includes on-field income, such as salaries and bonuses, as well as off-field earnings from endorsements and personal businesses. The figures are based on publicly available data, interviews with industry experts, and are converted to U.S. dollars. Forbes noted that the ranking does not account for investment income, taxes, or agent fees, and excludes transfer fees.