Top 10 Highest Paid Footballer in the World – 2025 (Ranked)

Football is one of the most popular games on this planet, and with such high stature and stakes comes a lot of money. As such, the highest paid footballer make for some of the wealthiest athletes across all sports globally. That said, some may be left shocked by the exorbitant amounts of money that top football teams shell out on a weekly and yearly basis. From Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski to one of the greatest soccer players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, we have included players from all leagues, showing how diverse our list is.

All things considered, it may still be a fair investment, seeing that these high-profile players are some of the best in the business and have made it a habit to deliver the goods on the biggest occasions and on the biggest stages. Thus, the highest paid footballer in the world are known to have put in years and years of hard work and toil, which has in turn made them deserving of the riches and the wealth that they have accumulated. Now, let’s find out who is the highest paid footballer in the world?

List of Highest Paid Footballers 2025

Now, let’s take a look at the list of the highest paid footballers 2025, based on their annual salary, that these players are getting right now.

Note: The above-mentioned estimated annual salary is taken from the source Capology.

Who is the Highest Paid Footballer in the World?

Well, these football players are getting paid a large amount of money, while some of them are still cooking in Europe, some are playing in the United States, as well in Saudi Arabia.

10. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

At number 10, we have one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet currently, Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski has become the star man this season, having regained his form at the right time to help the club win the La Liga trophy this season. The Polish striker is a massive favorite for the Ballon d’Or this season, and he is now one of the world highest paid footballer.

As such, FC Barcelona has ensured that their veteran superstar is well taken care of and has splurged massive amounts to keep him content and determined at the Camp Nou. Should his form continue, one can expect his wealth to expand exponentially in the coming years.

9. Vinicius Jr (Brazil)

The FIFA Men’s Player of the Year winner, Vinicius Junior, has been one of the highest paid footballers 2025. The Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior has witnessed a rise in his base salary over the years at the Los Blancos. In 2025, he is earning an estimated base salary of €25 million.

Well, it justifies as he has been with the club for quite a long time now, delivering week after week. Although many expected him to lead the attacking line alongside Kylian Mbappe but he failed to deliver it when it mattered the most.

8. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)

Easily one of the best defenders in the Saudi Pro League, Kalidou Koulibaly has nearly achieved every trophy possible he could at Al Hilal. A smashing success since his move to the SPL, the former Chelsea defender has been rock solid behind a lot of the team’s success over the last few seasons. With a weekly pay of €667k, he has cemented his place at the 8th position on our list.

Despite the clock slowly winding down on his career, Koulibaly still remains one of the best in the Saudi Pro League. That said, it could well result in him placing even higher among the highest paid footballer.

7. Sadio Mane (Senegal)

By all means, there can be no doubts regarding Sadio Mane’s abilities as a player and his status as a future Liverpool legend. One of the most prolific attackers of the Premier League in his time, Mane’s range and collection of goals will always be fondly remembered in Merseyside. He is one of the world highest paid footballer, as he is earning an extravagant amount of €769k per week at Al Nassr.

That said, Mane is known for having a heart of gold, donating regularly to the deprived and struggling in Senegal. Not only that, but he has also overseen the construction of wells, hospitals, and schools in the remote village areas of the country as his way of giving back to his home and community.

6. Erling Haaland (Norway)

Another one of the next generation of goal-getters is the man-machine, Erling Haaland. Bursting onto the scene with his unbelievable goal tallies, Haaland has now been leading the line for Manchester City for a few years now and is doing a very good job of it. With a number of top-scorer awards to his name already, Haaland’s ability to use his massive frame and speed to flood the goalmouth and add to his tally means that he is one of the very best in the business.

In addition to this, it helps that he plays for Manchester City, a club that is known for taking good care of its players. Despite his simpler approach to life, Haaland is one of the highest paid footballer players in the Premier League, and that is something he will look to ensure is the case for the future as well with his multimillion-dollar contract.

5. Karim Benzema (France)

Set to go down as a Real Madrid legend when all is said and done, Karim Benzema is living the dream with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Having put in his best years in a Madrid shirt, Benzema has accumulated a trophy haul that many still only dream of. With his best years behind him, the Frenchman made the decision to move to Saudi Arabia, like many others, and is much better off for it.

While his start at Al-Ittihad may not have gotten off on the best note, Benzema has started to find his feet again, and with his new manager being the legendary French defender Laurent Blanc, fans can rest assured that his time in the game is far from over. Benzema has been earning a hefty amount of money and is ranked fifth on our list of the highest paid footballer in the world.

4. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Following years of performing at the elite level with the likes of Leicester City and Manchester City, before making a move to Saudi Arabia, where he signed for Al Ahli. Even in Saudi Arabia, things have not gone to plan for the Algerian as he is yet to win any silverware with the club.

Still, the Saudis entrusted the player with untapped wealth and many other luxuries, benefits, and royalties. However, with his contract ending in 2027, he is all set to get paid a hefty amount of salary at one of the elite clubs in the Saudi Pro League. He is earning €1 million per week, which makes him one of the world highest paid footballer.

3. Kylian Mbappe (France)

Following his move to Real Madrid, things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing for the French superstar and talisman. After a short struggle to find his feet in the La Liga, he has gone beyond what many expected from him. That said, he is still one of the most prolific goal scorers in the world and on his day, can single-handedly decide the game, no matter how grand the occasion may be.

While his move from Paris Saint-Germain wasn’t the mega-money deal the people may have expected, his signing fee and salary at Real Madrid most certainly make up for that. With a legal battle with his former club regarding outstanding wages still ongoing, Kylian Mbappe could well find himself higher on this list much sooner than expected. Mbappe is ranked third on the list of highest paid footballer.

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Undoubtedly one of the best football players of all time, it only makes sense that he is also one of the highest paid footballer. Since his departure from FC Barcelona, it has been an interesting ride for the Argentine king as he first made his way to Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami, where he has found some solid footing.

Now surrounded by more of his former Barcelona teammates, Lionel Messi is arguably having the time of his life, playing with them and making an absolute killing while doing so. Having achieved everything there is to in the sport, it is the perfect ending to his incredible story.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Easily at the top of the highest-paid footballers in the world, by a substantial margin, is Cristiano Ronaldo. Following an exemplary career at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, the move to Al-Nassr fills Ronaldo’s competitive fire and desire to win, whilst earning him a mega payday. While he can easily walk away from the sport at any time, his desire and dedication are what make him one of the best of all time, and that is exactly how he is being treated at Al-Nassr.

While his work on the field will always be remembered for years to come, Ronaldo has also spent a lot of time making things work for him off the pitch as well. As the inevitable draws near, Cristiano’s current deal will ensure that he will have more than enough for himself and his future generations as well. Ronaldo tops the chart as the highest paid footballer.