Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers in the World- 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 footballers in the world make for some of the most wealthy 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. 

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 footballers 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. 

List of Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers In The World

We have ranked the highest-paid footballers in the world based on their salary, net worth, total income, and more. Let’s take a look at the eminent list of the top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world in 2024.

#10. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Easily one of the best players in the world and on this list on his day, Kevin De Bruyne has nearly achieved every trophy possible at club level. A smashing success since his move to Manchester, the Belgian has been the creative force behind a lot of the team’s success over the years. Despite the clock slowly winding down on his City career, De Bruyne still remains one of the best in the Premier League.

In time, with rumors of Saudi Arabia looming, it could be time for De Bruyne to seek out a new challenge on foreign soil. That said, it could well result in him placing even higher among the highest-paid footballers in the world. 

#9. Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)

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. With the promise of even more riches and wealth in Saudi Arabia, it made sense for the Senegalese international to call time on his career in European football.

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. 

#8. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Up next is another future Liverpool legend, Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King himself. One of the most prolific forwards ever in the Premier League, Salah has sealed his reputation as one of the greatest players of all time. Despite being shunned for a number of individual awards, he remains a model professional and a role model for his fans and teammates.

That said, Salah has also broken barriers off the pitch, with a global fan following, thanks to his heroics for Liverpool in recent years. However, with his current contract at Liverpool almost uup, there is great interest in knowing where his future lies. 

#7. Vincius Jr. (Real Madrid)

One of the most highly sought-after players in the world currently, Vinicius Jr. took some time to get accommodated to life under the big lights as a Galactico. However, having matured into one of the most dangerous attackers on the planet currently, Vinicius has become the star man he always dreamed of being. A massive favorite for the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best Men’s Award Winner 2024, he is now one of the best players in the world.

As such, Real Madrid has ensured that their talented superstar is well taken care of and has splurged massive amounts to keep his content and determined at the Santiago Bernabeu. Should his form continue, one can expect his wealth to expand exponentially in the coming years. 

Also Read: List of Top 10 Richest Soccer clubs in the world in 2024

#6. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Another one of the next generation of goal-getters is the man-machine, Erling Haaland. Bursting onto the scene for his unbelievable goal tallies, Haaland is now leading the line for Manchester for a few years now and 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 goal-mouth 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 their players. Despite his simpler approach to life, Haaland is one of the highest paid footballer players in the world and that is something he will look to ensure is the case for the future as well. 

#5. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Following his move to Real Madrid, things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing for the French superstar and talisman. While his goalscoring form hasn’t declined much by the standards of many, he has struggled to find his feet in the white and gold Real jersey. That said, he is still one of the most prolific goalscorers 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 makes up for that. With a legal battle with his former club regarding outstanding wages still ongoing, Mbappe could well find himself higher on this list much sooner than expected. 

#4. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)

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, 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.

#3. Neymar (Al-Hilal)

Once touted to be one of the best players in the world, the Brazilian striker Neymar is the next name on our list. Following years of performing at the highest level with the likes of FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, a move to Saudi seemed like the next logical step for the man who seemingly fell short of achieving his full potential. Even in Saudi Arabia, things have not gone to plan for the Brazilian as he is yet to fully return from yet another major injury.

Still, the Saudis entrusted the player with untapped wealth and many other luxuries and benefits such as private jets, a fleet of luxury cars, and many other such royalties. However, with his contract soon coming to an end, and no sign of a sustainable future at the club, it could be a tricky time for Neymar come the end of the season.

#2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

As expected, the king of football was always a shoo-in for this list as he is with any related to the sport. Undoubtedly one of the best football players of all time, it only makes sense that he is also one of the highest-paid footballers in the world as well. 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, 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 (Al-Nassr)

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 in 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. 

Also Read: 10 Best Football Leagues in the world 2024