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Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes highest-paid footballers for 2025–26 with $280 million, doubling Lionel Messi. Saudi Pro League and La Liga stars dominate the top 10 earnings list.
Cristiano Ronaldo became football’s first-ever billionaire (AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again. The Portuguese legend sits atop the Forbes list of highest-paid footballers for the 2025–26 season, reaffirming his unmatched financial dominance both on and off the pitch.
It marks the sixth time in the past decade that the 40-year-old has claimed the top spot — just a week after Bloomberg officially declared him football’s first-ever billionaire.
Ronaldo Doubles Messi’s Earnings
According to Forbes, Ronaldo’s total earnings — a staggering $280 million — come from his contract with Al Nassr and a string of lucrative sponsorships and endorsements. His global brand value, spanning fashion, fitness, and lifestyle ventures, continues to dwarf that of his peers.
His eternal rival Lionel Messi comes in second with $130 million, nearly half of Ronaldo’s tally.
While the Argentine’s on-field earnings from Inter Miami are lower, his off-field portfolio — including partnerships with Adidas, Apple, and his own Messi Store — keeps him firmly near the top.
Saudi Arabia’s Money Machine Still Turning
Saudi Arabia’s football project may have slowed slightly, but its financial footprint remains huge. Three players in the top 10 now ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League:
- Ronaldo (Al Nasr) – $280 million
- Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) – $104 million
- Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) – $54 million
The trio’s combined earnings underscore the league’s ongoing bid to remain a global force, even after high-profile exits like Neymar’s January return to Santos in Brazil.
Europe Still Holding Its Own
Despite the financial muscle of Saudi clubs, Europe’s elite continue to dominate. La Liga leads the way with four names in the top 10 — Kylian Mbappé (4th), Vinícius Jr. (6th), Jude Bellingham (9th), and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (10th), who reportedly earns $43 million annually at just 18.
The Premier League, meanwhile, is represented by Erling Haaland (5th) and Mohamed Salah (7th), who continue to cash in on their success with Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively.
(with agency inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
October 16, 2025, 10:49 PM IST
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