Football is not just a game—it’s a business. And in 2024, some of the biggest stars of the sport are earning mind-blowing amounts, both on and off the pitch.
From endorsement deals to jaw-dropping salaries, these players are cashing in on their fame and talent. If you’re curious about who’s making the most money, look no further.
Thanks to Forbes, we have the updated list of the highest-paid footballers in 2024. Ready to dive into the numbers?
Let’s go through the list, starting from number 10 down to number 1.
10 Highest Paid Footballers of 2024
10. Kevin De Bruyne – £30 million
We kick off our list with one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro has been the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield, winning numerous titles with the club.
Even at 33, De Bruyne remains a top performer, and it’s no surprise he’s still earning big bucks.
Aside from his £30 million earnings, De Bruyne also has lucrative deals with brands like Nike and McDonald’s.
There’s been a lot of chatter about him potentially joining Ronaldo at Al-Nassr next season, which could push his earnings even higher!
9. Sadio Mané – £40 million
At number 9, we have Sadio Mané. The Senegalese star is currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and earns a cool £40 million. But what makes Mané special isn’t just his on-pitch talent—it’s his heart.
He’s Senegal’s all-time top goal scorer, but he’s also known for giving back to his hometown, building hospitals, schools, and providing financial aid to those in need.
Mané’s humble background makes his story even more inspiring for young fans. And his move to Saudi Arabia has only added to his earnings.
8. Mohamed Salah – £41 million
Mo Salah is a name every football fan knows, and for good reason. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, he’s become one of their all-time top scorers.
With around 100 million followers across social media, Salah’s influence stretches far beyond the pitch.
In 2024, the Egyptian king earned £41 million, thanks to his endorsements with Adidas, Vodafone, and more.
Salah is proof that talent, hard work, and a massive fanbase can result in some serious earnings.
7. Vinicius Junior – £42 million
At just 24 years old, Vinicius Junior is already making waves, both on the pitch and in the bank. The Brazilian star is the only new entry on the Forbes list this year, earning £42 million.
His brand deals with Pepsi and PlayStation are helping him rake in the cash.
Vinicius has been with Real Madrid since he was 18, and he’s proven himself as one of the most exciting talents in the game today.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what the future of football looks like, keep an eye on Vinicius.
6. Erling Haaland – £46 million
Next up is the goal-scoring machine, Erling Haaland. The 23-year-old Norwegian striker has been tearing up the Premier League since joining Manchester City in 2022.
Haaland is already a household name and, with £46 million in earnings this year, he’s on his way to becoming one of the biggest stars in football history.
Haaland’s success comes from both his performance on the pitch and his sponsorships off it.
He has deals with big brands like Nike, and his ability to find the back of the net means his value will only keep rising.
5. Kylian Mbappé – £69 million
When you think of the future of football, you probably think of Kylian Mbappé. At just 25, the French superstar has already achieved more than most players do in their entire careers.
And in 2024, he earned a whopping £69 million, making him the 5th highest-paid footballer.
This year, Mbappé fulfilled his “childhood dream” of joining Real Madrid, and his on-pitch earnings of £54 million reflect his incredible talent.
Off the pitch, he’s linked with luxury brands like Dior and Nike, adding another £15 million to his total.
4. Karim Benzema – £79 million
Coming in at number 4 is Real Madrid legend, Karim Benzema. The French striker now captains Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, where he earns most of his money—£76 million on the pitch, to be exact.
Even at 36, Benzema remains one of the best strikers in the world.
Though he’s nearing the end of his career, Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia has significantly boosted his earnings.
He’s still pulling in £3 million off the pitch, proving that his name holds serious value in football circles.
3. Neymar – £84 million
Neymar Jr. is known for his flair, and it turns out his earnings are just as flashy. At 32, Neymar is playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he’s signed until 2025.
Despite being sidelined by a knee injury for much of the past year, Neymar has earned a hefty £84 million in 2024.
His deals with Puma and his massive social media presence ensure that Neymar remains one of the biggest personalities in the sport, even when he’s not on the pitch.
His earnings are a combination of football salary and endorsements, making him the 3rd highest-paid footballer this year.
2. Lionel Messi – £103 million
The GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Lionel Messi, takes the second spot on this list. At 37, Messi is playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, and he’s raking in £103 million in total earnings.
What’s interesting is that Messi makes more money off the pitch (£58 million) than on it, with major partnerships like Adidas and Apple TV.
Messi’s influence goes far beyond just football—he has over 500 million Instagram followers, and he’s even launched his own production company.
Even at the twilight of his career, Messi’s earning power is unmatched by almost anyone… except one.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £218 million
And finally, sitting at the very top of the list is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. At 39 years old, Ronaldo isn’t just breaking records on the pitch—he’s breaking them financially too.
This year, he became the highest-paid footballer ever, with a staggering £218 million in earnings.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr alone earned him £170 million, and he made another £48 million off the pitch through endorsements and business ventures, including his own hotel chain and clothing line.
Oh, and did we mention he launched a YouTube channel in August? It reached 10 million subscribers in just one day.
Ronaldo is truly the king of football, both on and off the field. His legacy as the highest-paid footballer in history is likely to stand for years to come.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—the top 10 highest-paid footballers of 2024. From Ronaldo and Messi to rising stars like Haaland and Vinicius Junior, it’s clear that footballers today are making more money than ever before.
Whether through their salaries, endorsements, or personal business ventures, these athletes are taking their talents all the way to the bank.
