Revealed: The 10 highest-paid footballers in 2023
Cameron Smith
- 15 Oct 2023 16:00 CDT
- 4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer on the planet in 2023, according to Forbes, with the Portugal international earning more than any other player in the world.
The former Real Madrid forward joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 following his Manchester United exit and Forbes have reported that his on-field salary with the Saudi Pro League club amounts to $200 million per year.
Furthermore, Ronaldo is one of the most recognisable athletes in the world and his endorsements mean his total annual salary is currently $260m, as per Forbes.
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Ronaldo was the highest-paid football player in 2021 ($125m), but lost that crown to Kylian Mbappe in 2022 ($128m). However, he has now emphatically regained that title.
Lionel Messi sits second on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid footballers courtesy of his huge financial package at Inter Miami.
The 2022 World Cup winner earns a base salary of $65m, which is supplemented by $70m of off-field endorsements.
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Al-Hilal’s Neymar completes the top three following his summer move to Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian is the most expensive player in Saudi Pro League history and earns $112m per year through his salary at Al-Hilal and several high-end brand deals.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe is fourth. The Frenchman stayed at the Parc des princes this summer, despite heavy links with a move away. Saudi Arabian clubs remain interested, while Real Madrid continue to be linked.
Mbappe earns $90m from his PSG contract and $20m from endorsements.
Karim Benzema makes it three Saudi Pro league players in the top five list of the highest-paid footballers in 2023, according to Forbes. The former Real Madrid star earns a total annual salary of $106m, with a whopping $100m of that coming from his salary at Al-Ittihad.
Erling Haaland ($58m), Mohamed Salah ($53m), Sadio Mane ($52m), Kevin de Bruyne ($39m) and Harry Kane ($36m) round out the top 10.
Which footballers earn the most money in 2023?
The 10 highest-paid football players in 2023
| Player | On-Field Salary | Off-Field Salary | Total Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cristiano Ronaldo | $200m | $60m | $260m |
| 2. Lionel Messi | $65m | $70m | $135m |
| 3. Neymar | $80m | $32m | $112m |
| 4. Kylian Mbappe | $90m | $20m | $110m |
| 5. Karim Benzema | $100m | $6m | $106m |
| 6. Erling Haaland | $46m | $12m | $58m |
| 7. Mohamed Salah | $35m | $18m | $53m |
| 8. Sadio Mane | $48m | $4m | $52m |
| 9. Kevin de Bruyne | $35m | $4m | $39m |
| 10. Harry Kane | $26m | $10m | $36m |
