Highest Paid Football Player In The World 2024 – Top Ten Male Highest Earners

Who is the highest-paid football player in the world? – This is unarguably one of the most asked questions about the beautiful game of football. While the intriguing artistry and_ teamwork are most appreciated, it is key not to overlook the financial muscle behind the game of football.

Sportxparte reports that footballers at the top level are global superstars who command eye-watering salaries. The question, however, is, who reigns supreme in the world of footballer finances?

It is no longer news that footballers make mouthwatering earnings year in and_ year out. However, the recent trend of Saudi Arabian clubs splashing money on players has raised the bar so high that the original numbers are now out of the water.

Portuguese professional footballer and_ five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo took the plunge at the beginning of 2023, with Neymar, N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and_ others following suit.

Notwithstanding the Saudi Pro League’s efforts and_ Lionel Messi’s big-money move to Inter Miami, Europe’s top divisions continue to be prime destinations for the world’s best players, and_ there’s still plenty of money to be made in the Premier League, La Liga, and_ beyond.

Below is a list of the Top 10 Highest Paid Football Players around the world:

Please keep in mind that all figures are before tax (unless otherwise stated) and_ do not take into account bonuses, additional fees and_ various sponsorship deals, which, in some cases, can double a player’s yearly earnings.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3.4 Million at Al Nassr

Following his departure from the English Premier League, Manchester United, at the end of 2022, Ronaldo, who is regarded as one of the world’s greatest players, drew criticisms for relocating to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Ronaldo joined the money-bag Saudi Club on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Though laughable, there’s no denying that Ronaldo is benefiting financially.

2. Neymar Jr – £1.7 Million at Al Hilal

Neymar, a Brazilian, signed a two-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in August 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

This move made him join a long list of world-class players who have left Europe for the wealth of Saudi Arabia.

The world-renowned PSG forward had failed to lead the French club to a Champions League title in six seasons, prompting the French club to question whether they paid the right price for Neymar.

3. Karim Benzema – £1.6 Million at Al-Ittihad

After a historic stay at Real Madrid, French international Karim Benzema announced his departure from the club in 2023.

The footballing world was left in awe when the recipient of the 2022 Balon d’Or signed a lucrative two-year deal with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League, making a significant impact with his free transfer.

4. Kylian Mbappe – £1.2 Million At PSG

With his remarkable displays for both club and_ country, the captain of the French national team has unquestionably earned his spot near the summit of this list.

Kylian Mbappe had received a mouthwatering offer to make a move to Saudi Arabia for one season, but the player opted to remain at PSG.

Yet the Frenchman is earning big at Real Madrid. The question, however, remains whether he is destined for the club.

5. Lionel Messi  – £750,000 At Inter Miami

Lionel Messi opted against a move to Saudi Arabia and_ a sentimental comeback to Barcelona, instead choosing to sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami on a complimentary transfer following the expiration of his contract with PSG.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, the legendary World Cup champion and_ eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has significantly influenced the success of the MLS team.

Despite not being in the money-bag region, Messi is still one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.

6. Sadio Mane – £650,000 At Al Nassr

Bayern Munich had a lacklustre season, leading to Sadio Mane securing a transfer for the second consecutive summer in 2023.

Mane, a former Liverpool player, swiftly signed a four-year contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He is now playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo until 2027.

7. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – £580,000

Riyad Mahrez faced a fresh challenge following his contribution to Manchester City’s treble in the 2022/23 season.

The Algerian winger completed a £30 million move to Al Ahli and_ is now bound by’ a lucrative contract with the Saudi Professional League team until 2027.

8. N’Golo Kante – £500,000 At Al-Ittihad

N’Golo Kante, renowned for his exceptional achievements, was enticed by’ a two-year contract in Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of his tenure with Chelsea in the 2022/23 season.

With an illustrious career, the 32-year-old has triumphed in numerous prestigious competitions, including the World Cup and_ Champions League.

9. Kalidou Koulibaly – £500,000 At Al Hilal

Kalidou Koulibaly was initially seen as the ideal successor to Antonio Rudiger at Chelsea, however, within a year, he joined the ranks of numerous renowned players who moved to Saudi Arabia.

Al Hilal paid a transfer fee of £20 million for his services, and_ despite a mediocre season in the Premier League, he received a significant increase in his weekly salary, earning him the spot on the highest-paid footballers list.

10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – £400,000

In the summer of 2023, Harry Kane decided to leave Tottenham and_ the Premier League, driven by’ his strong desire to secure silverware.

It appears that Kane is on track to achieve this goal during his tenure with Bayern Munich in Germany, and_ his financial situation has also improved significantly as a result of this move.