Vini Jr – Foto: RAFAELRIBEIRORIO I CBF
Cristiano Ronaldo, from Al-Nassr, tops the annual Forbes ranking of the highest-paid soccer players for the 2025-2026 season, with estimated earnings of $280 million. Brazilian forward Vini Jr, of Real Madrid, holds the sixth spot with $60 million in total compensation, including salary and endorsements. The list, released on October 16, 2025, accounts for on-field and off-field income, totaling $945 million among the top ten.
Vini Jr is the only Brazilian in the elite group. His contract with Real Madrid, renewed in 2024, increased his earnings by 20% compared to the previous year. The Spanish club stands out with three representatives in the top 10.
The publication reflects a 15% growth in average salaries in elite soccer. Clubs from Saudi Arabia and European leagues dominate the initial positions.
- Main income sources: base salaries, performance bonuses, and commercial deals.
- Forbes focus: estimates for 2025-2026, drawn from agents and clubs data.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads a group of ten footballers collectively earning $945 million this season, but as the sun sets on his legendary career, two young stars are stepping into the spotlight. https://t.co/uxTI69Rz7y
Illustration: Alice Lagarde for Forbes; Photos: Minas… pic.twitter.com/IZAescu8kx
— Forbes (@Forbes) October 16, 2025
Ronaldo’s consolidated leadership
Cristiano Ronaldo accumulates $280 million annually at Al-Nassr. The Portuguese achieves this mark for the sixth time in the decade, driven by bonuses and partnerships.
Around $200 million come from endorsements, such as Nike and tech investments. His Saudi contract includes clauses for achieved goals.
Messi’s rise in the United States
Lionel Messi receives $130 million at Inter Miami. The Argentine maintains global deals despite moving to MLS. His earnings include Saudi Arabia tourism promotion. Forbes notes the impact of his presence on audiences and ticket sales.
Arab clubs in the top 3
Karim Benzema rounds out the podium with $104 million at Al-Ittihad. The Frenchman moved to the Saudi league seeking high contracts. Saudi Arabia places three athletes on the list. Billion-dollar investments attract veterans nearing career ends.
Highlight for young talents
Kylian Mbappé earns $95 million at Real Madrid. His 2024 transfer set initial salary records. Erling Haaland follows with $80 million at Manchester City. The two compete for individual awards and raise the bar for emerging players.
Vini Jr’s detailed position
Vini Jr accumulates $60 million in compensation. The figure reflects 15 goals last season and sponsorships in Brazil. His salary growth aligns with Champions League performances. As the only Brazilian, he represents the new South American generation.
Premier League influence
Mohamed Salah receives $55 million at Liverpool. The Egyptian balances salary and endorsements in a competitive league. Erling Haaland reinforces Manchester City in fifth place. The Premier League spends records on transfers, but only two make the top 10.
Sadio Mané closes the eighth spot with $54 million at Al-Nassr. His move to Arabia raised earnings by 30%.
Real Madrid entries
Real Madrid inserts three players into the list. Mbappé in fourth, Vini Jr in sixth, and Jude Bellingham in ninth with $44 million. Bellingham, aged 21, negotiates contract extensions. The Spanish club dominates La Liga in financial revenues.
Young promises at the list’s end
Lamine Yamal, from Barcelona, debuts in tenth with $43 million. At 18 years old, he adds 18 goals and 25 assists this season. Yamal expands sponsorships with Adidas and Beats by Dre. His inclusion lowers the top 10 average age below 30 for the first time in five editions.
Full list of the top 10 highest-paid
Forbes details total values for 2025-2026. Data includes approximate conversions to reais, based on October exchange rates.
- 1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): $280 million (R$1.52 billion).
- 2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $130 million (R$707 million).
- 3. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): $104 million (R$566 million).
- 4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): $95 million (R$517 million).
- 5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): $80 million (R$435 million).
- 6. Vini Jr (Real Madrid): $60 million (R$326 million).
- 7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): $55 million (R$299 million).
- 8. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr): $54 million (R$294 million).
- 9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): $44 million (R$239 million).
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): $43 million (R$234 million).
The values sum to $945 million. The list excludes tournament prizes to prioritize fixed incomes.
