Highest-Paid Footballers earn massive sums as football’s global popularity drives huge revenue from tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euros. Players are now not just athletes but global celebrities, boosting their earnings through endorsements. The rise of leagues in the USA, China, and the Middle East has also increased pay. As the 2023-24 season wraps up, here are the ten highest-paid footballers as of June 20th, in AUD. The tabulated list of players is given below.
Summary Table: Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2024
| Rank | Player | Club | Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr | $330 million |
| 2 | Neymar Jr. | Al-Hilal | $164 million |
| 3 | Karim Benzema | Al-Ittihad | $162 million |
| 4 | Kylian Mbappé | Paris Saint-Germain | $115.9 million |
| 5 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | $100 million |
| 6 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | $72.5 million |
| 7 | Sadio Mané | Al-Nassr | $64.4 million |
| 8 | Riyad Mahrez | Al-Ahli | $62.8 million |
| 9 | Kalidou Koulibaly | Al-Hilal | $41.2 million |
| 10 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | $34.8 million |
In 2024, the football world is witnessing a significant shift, with many top earners now plying their trade outside of Europe. The Saudi Pro League, in particular, has become a magnet for top players, offering salaries that outmatch even the most established European clubs.
Here are the Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in 2024 :
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Salary: $330 million
Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the highest-paid footballer in the world after joining Al-Nassr. At 39, his $330 million annual salary marks the most lucrative deal in football history. His move to Saudi Arabia has not only prolonged his career but also helped elevate the Saudi Pro League’s global profile, cementing his position as the top-earning footballer.
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2. Neymar Jr.
Salary: $164 million
Neymar’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal in 2024 made him one of the highest-paid footballers. Despite facing injury struggles, Neymar’s annual salary of $164 million highlights the significant financial power of the Saudi Pro League, which has successfully lured top talent from Europe.
3. Karim Benzema
Salary: $162 million
After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022, Karim Benzema moved from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad, where he became another highest-paid footballer. Earning $162 million annually, Benzema’s move demonstrates the shifting dynamics in football, where elite players are following lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia rather than staying in Europe.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Salary: $115.9 million
Kylian Mbappé remains one of the highest-paid footballers in 2024, earning $115.9 million per year at Paris Saint-Germain. With his contract set to expire soon, and a potential free transfer to Real Madrid on the horizon, his future earnings may fluctuate, but for now, Mbappé is among the top football earners globally.
5. Lionel Messi
Salary: $100 million
Lionel Messi made headlines in 2023 with his move to Inter Miami, securing his spot as one of the highest-paid footballers with a $100 million salary. His presence in Major League Soccer has transformed the league, and Messi continues to draw global attention, showing that his marketability and influence remain as strong as ever
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6. Erling Haaland
Salary: $72.5 million
Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, ranks as one of the youngest highest-paid footballers, earning $72.5 million annually. Known for his incredible goal-scoring abilities, Haaland’s rising prominence in world football is reflected in his impressive salary, positioning him among the sport’s top earners.
7. Sadio Mané
Salary: $64.4 million
Sadio Mané, following his move to Al-Nassr, secured his place as one of the highest-paid footballers, earning $64.4 million per year. The Senegalese forward joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, adding to the star-studded squad in Saudi Arabia. His earnings further highlight the league’s growing financial dominance in the football world.
8. Riyad Mahrez
Salary: $62.8 million
Riyad Mahrez made the decision to leave Manchester City for Al-Ahli, where he now ranks among the highest-paid footballers, earning $62.8 million annually. After enjoying a successful career in Europe with multiple Premier League titles, Mahrez opted for the substantial financial rewards offered by the Saudi Pro League.
9. Kalidou Koulibaly
Salary: $41.2 million
Kalidou Koulibaly became one of the highest-paid footballers when he transferred from Chelsea to Al-Hilal, earning $41.2 million per year. As the only defender on this list, his high salary reflects Saudi Arabia’s willingness to invest heavily across all positions, not just in attack.
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10. Harry Kane
Salary: $34.8 million
Harry Kane’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich made him the Bundesliga’s highest-paid footballer, with an annual salary of $34.8 million. Despite facing challenges in his first season with Bayern, Kane’s financial rewards position him among the top earners in the sport.
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