Cristiano Ronaldo is leading the list of the highest-paid footballers in the world in 2024 based on data made available by Forbes.
From sponsorship deals to salaries, the Al-Nassr forward is topping the chart, thanks to his multi-million-pound deal with Al-Nassr.
In this article, we are going to look at some of the highest-paid footballers in 2024, reported by Forbes.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo made a switch to West Asia following a successful reign in Europe. He joined Saudi side Al Nassr and has continued to fire on all cylinders for the club. The forward has scored 72 goals since signing with the Arab club. He currently has eight goals and three assists to his name in nine outings for them this campaign.
The Portuguese earns a yearly salary of $213m in the Arab club and is in contract with them till June 2025.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is second in the ranking of highest-paid footballers in 2024. He is the only player that rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in the sport and just finishes below the Portuguese with $135m per year from basic salary and sponsorship deals.
The Argentine maestro has been showcasing his magic to American audiences, following his switch from Paris St-Germain to Inter Miami. He has broken several records in his short stint at the club and recently won them their first-ever Leagues cup. He has scored 19 goals and assisted a further 12 in 21 outings. His yearly salary is $20.4m with a contract until 2026.
Neymar Jr
Brazilian legend Neymar Jr is one of the biggest names in sports history. Known for his tricks on the pitch, he is one of the highly sought-after names in football.
Neymar switched to West Asia, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the big names to switch to Saudi Arabia from Europe. The Brazil international enjoyed a successful period in Europe, although many would consider his career disappointing considering his potential. He currently plies his trade with Al Hilal, although he is yet to make any significant contribution to the team due to injury.
He has played just 5 games with the Arab side, scoring once and assisting twice. His estimated annual wage with the club is £100m yearly.
Karim Benzema
The Real Madrid icon is another name on the books of an Arab team that makes up football’s rich list.
Karim Benzema called time on his stay at Real Madrid, following a successful stint that saw him win a Ballon D’or among other honours. A move to Al Ittihad was next on the cards for the striker.
He has been in great form, scoring 23 goals in 40 games since joining. He currently has seven goals and one assist in seven outings so far this campaign.
The Frenchman’s contract with the club runs till 2026 and is worth €100m every year.
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid’s latest Galatico Kylian Mbappe is the fifth highest-paid footballer, earning £55m plus endorsements and image rights while his basic salary stands at £20m.
Mbappe fulfilled a childhood dream of his when he signed with the Los Blancos over the summer. While he is still yet to fully hit the ground running, the France international has scored seven goals already for his new team, notching up a further assist in 11 games so far. He is contracted to the club until 2029.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland’s devastating goal-scoring exploits have seen the hype around the Norwegian grow exponentially in recent times. The Manchester City star is one of the most sought-after names in world football currently.
The forward has found the back of the net on 11 different occasions in 10 games played so far. Erling Haaland is under contract with Manchester City till 2027 and earns a yearly salary of $19.5m but he he earns up to £50m annually with the club, per Forbes.
Vinicius Jr
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr is among the highest-paid footballers in 2024 and is now revered as one of the best in the world.
The Brazil international has grown to become Real Madrid’s main man over recent years. Even after the signing of Mbappe, he is still viewed as the most important figure in Madrid. He has contributed to nine goals so far this campaign, scoring four and assisting another five in twelve games played.
He is under contract with Los Blancos till 2027 and earns £18.8m yearly with his total earnings estimated at £40.8m.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool’s top forward Mohamed Salah also makes the rankings. Regarded as one of the finest the Premier League has ever seen, the Liverpool star is one of the biggest names in football.
The Egyptian has been one of the most consistent figures in football since making a switch to Anfield. He has continued to show that level of consistency this season, scoring six goals and registering five assists in just ten outings this campaign.
The Anfield hero is currently in the last year of his contract with the Reds, he earns £18.2m yearly and £30m plus endorsements.
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane is also among the highest-paid footballers in 2024.
The Senegalese star joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and has also proven to be a good buy for the Arab club. He has scored four goals and provided five assists in eleven games this campaign.
The Senegal international takes home £17.3m yearly and is under contract with Al Nassr till 2026.
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City and Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne also make the list. The Belgian, often considered the most important figure in Pep Guardiola’s side, took home £39m in 2024.
Regarded as the best in his position, the Manchester City playmaker has had a relatively slow start to this campaign compared to past seasons, registering just a goal and an assist in six appearances this season.
The Belgian is in the last year of his contract with Manchester City, he currently earns £16.4m yearly.
