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Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ 2025 List As Yamal Joins Football’s Highest Earners
Barcelona’s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal has broken into football’s financial elite, earning a spot among Forbes’ top 10 highest-paid players for 2025.
The teenage winger’s rise marks a remarkable achievement at such a young age. At the top of the list is Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to dominate football’s earnings charts.
The 40-year-old extended his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, bringing his annual income to an astonishing $280 million.
The Portuguese forward, who became the first footballer to reach billionaire status and had topped the world’s highest-paid athletes list for three consecutive years in May, is inching closer to scoring 1,000 career goals.
His long-time rival Lionel Messi sits second at $130 million, with the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward earning the majority through off-field deals.
Messi’s endorsement portfolio features Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard, and he also launched a sports drink last year.
French striker Karim Benzema rounds out the top nine-figure earners in third place with $104 million, boosted by his move to Saudi club Al Ittihad.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe ($95 million) and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland ($80 million) complete the top five two players tipped to battle for Ballon d’Or supremacy in the coming decade.
Lamine’s meteoric rise
But it’s teenager Lamine Yamal whose meteoric rise threatens to shake up football’s established order.
The Spanish winger delivered a breakout 2024-25 season, scoring 18 goals and 25 assists across all competitions for Barcelona after helping Spain win the European Championship.
Forbes notes that Yamal has expanded his sponsor roster by adding Beats by Dre, joining Adidas, Konami, and Powerade, pushing his earnings to $43 million.
The youngster was rewarded with a new Barca contract until 2031 after the club swept the domestic treble of LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.
He also inherited the famous number 10 shirt previously worn by Messi a symbolic passing of the torch.
Forbes’ 10 highest-paid football players in 2025
1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): $280 million
2) Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $130 million
3) Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): $104 million
4) Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): $95 million
5) Erling Haaland (Manchester City): $80 million
6) Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid): $60 million
7) Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): $55 million
8) Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr): $54 million
9) Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): $44 million
10) Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): $43 million
