By Victor Eludire | Sports Correspondent
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to finish 2025 as the world’s highest-paid footballer, according to Forbes, with total earnings of $280 million. Lionel Messi ranks second on the list, having earned an estimated $130 million over the year.
The Forbes Football Economics ranking also highlights the continued financial strength of football’s elite. Karim Benzema follows with $104 million, while Kylian Mbappé earned $95 million. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland recorded earnings of $80 million, with Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior close behind on $60 million.
Further down the list, Mohamed Salah earned $55 million, narrowly ahead of Sadio Mané on $54 million. Jude Bellingham ($44 million) and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal ($43 million) round out the top earners, underlining the growing commercial value of the game’s younger stars.
