Top 10 Highest Paid Footballers In The World (2024, Official List)

Football is not just the world's most popular sport but also one of the most lucrative. In 2024, the earnings of top footballers have reached unprecedented levels, thanks to massive contracts, endorsement deals, and bonuses. Here’s an official list of the top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world in 2024.

1. Kylian Mbappé

• Club: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
• Annual Earnings: $120 million

Kylian Mbappé tops the list as the highest-paid footballer in 2024. The French superstar, known for his blistering pace and goal-scoring prowess, recently signed a record-breaking contract extension with PSG. His earnings include a substantial salary, performance bonuses, and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Hublot.

2. Lionel Messi

• Club: Inter Miami
• Annual Earnings: $110 million

Even at the age of 37, Lionel Messi remains one of the highest earners in football. After a successful stint at PSG, Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he continues to command top dollar. His earnings are bolstered by endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, and several other global brands.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Club: Al Nassr
• Annual Earnings: $100 million

Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continues to be a top earner in the sport. His move to the Middle East came with a hefty contract, adding to his already substantial earnings from endorsements with Nike, CR7-branded products, and other ventures.

4. Neymar Jr.

• Club: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
• Annual Earnings: $95 million

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian maestro, remains one of the highest-paid footballers globally. His contract with PSG includes a massive salary and various performance-related bonuses. Neymar also enjoys significant earnings from endorsements with Puma, Red Bull, and other prominent brands.

5. Erling Haaland

• Club: Manchester City
• Annual Earnings: $90 million

Erling Haaland has quickly risen to the top of the football earnings chart. The Norwegian striker's move to Manchester City has been a financial and sporting success. His earnings include a substantial salary, bonuses, and endorsements with Nike and other major brands.

6. Mohamed Salah

• Club: Liverpool
• Annual Earnings: $85 million

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian king, continues to be a top earner in 2024. His new contract with Liverpool has significantly boosted his salary. Salah's marketability also ensures substantial earnings from endorsements with Adidas, Vodafone, and Pepsi.

7. Kevin De Bruyne

• Club: Manchester City
• Annual Earnings: $80 million

Kevin De Bruyne, one of the best midfielders in the world, earns a significant salary from Manchester City. His exceptional vision and passing ability make him indispensable to his team. De Bruyne's earnings are supplemented by endorsements with brands like Nike and EA Sports.

8. Robert Lewandowski

• Club: Barcelona
• Annual Earnings: $75 million

Robert Lewandowski's move to Barcelona has kept him among the highest earners in football. The Polish striker's prolific goal-scoring record continues to attract lucrative contracts and endorsements. His earnings are enhanced by deals with Nike and Huawei.

9. Paul Pogba

• Club: Juventus
• Annual Earnings: $70 million

Paul Pogba returned to Juventus with a high-paying contract that places him among the top earners. The French midfielder's flair and personality make him a marketing magnet, with endorsements from Adidas, Pepsi, and other global brands contributing significantly to his income.

10. Raheem Sterling

• Club: Chelsea
• Annual Earnings: $65 million

Raheem Sterling rounds out the top 10 list with his significant earnings from Chelsea. The English winger's pace and creativity on the field are matched by his marketability off it. Sterling's endorsements with Nike, Gillette, and other brands play a crucial role in his earnings.

Conclusion

The earnings of the world's top footballers in 2024 highlight the immense financial rewards available in professional football. These athletes not only excel on the field but also leverage their fame and influence through lucrative endorsement deals. As the sport continues to grow globally, the financial stakes for top players are likely to rise even further, solidifying football's position as one of the most lucrative careers in sports.