Ronaldo remains highest-paid footballer, Yamal makes entry in Forbes list
Ronaldo topped the world's highest-paid athletes list for three successive years with a mind-boggling earning of $280 million in earnings this year.
New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world's topmost earning footballer but it is Lamine Yamal's entry into Forbes list in 2025 that grabbed eyeballs.
Ronaldo topped the world's highest-paid athletes list for three successive years with a mind-boggling earning of $280 million in earnings this year.
The 40-year-old extended his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for two years recently to remain on top of football's financial summit.
The Portuguese forward is nearing the landmark of 1,000 career goals while his long-time rival Lionel Messi is second with earnings of $130 million.
The Argentine, like, Ronaldo endorses multiple top brands as well as business initiatives spread across the globe.
Frenchman Karim Benzema is in the third spot at $104 million, benefitting from his bumper transfer to Saudi side Al-Ittihad.
Benzema's compatriot Kylian Mbappe ($95 million) and Norwegian Erling Haaland ($80 million) are in the top five.
Yamal's ascent
Teenager Yamal's meteoric rise could shake up football's established order in the future.
In his breakthrough 2024-25 season, the 18-year-old scored 18 goals and assisted 25 times across all competitions for Barcelona after helped Spain win the Euros.
The Barcelona winger added Beats by Dre to his endorsement portfolio that features Adidas, Konami and Powerade, increasing his earnings to $43 million.
He also inked a new Barca contract until 2031 after helping them sweep the domestic treble of LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup and inherited the famous number 10 shirt previously worn by Messi.
Top 10 highest-paid footballers
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