Cristiano Ronaldo is The Highest-Paid Footballer of 2024
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, forward for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, was crowned the highest-paid footballer of 2024 with total earnings of $285 million, surpassing Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who earned $135 million, according to a report published Thursday by Forbes.
At 39 years old, Ronaldo received $220 million in salary and added nearly $65 million through off-field activities, including the launch of his YouTube channel, which surpassed one million subscribers within its first ninety minutes.
Lionel Messi, 37, and a player for Inter Miami, ranked second on the list with total earnings of $135 million. His salary at the American club is $60 million, while off the pitch, he generated $75 million thanks to partnerships with brands like Apple TV, Adidas, and Konami.
Neymar Jr., from Al-Hilal, completes the top three with $110 million. Despite missing most of the season due to a knee injury, the Brazilian holds an $80 million annual contract, along with $30 million from sponsorships and investments.
Frenchman Karim Benzema, from Al-Ittihad, secured fourth place with $104 million. The first European player on the list is Kylian Mbappé, now with Real Madrid, with total earnings of $90 million. He is followed by Erling Haaland ($60 million), Mohamed Salah ($53 million), Sadio Mané ($48 million), and Kevin De Bruyne, who rounds out the top 10 with $39 million.
