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By John Ogunsemore
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema are the top three highest-paid footballers for 2025, according to Forbes.
The American business magazine released its list of top 10 highest-paid footballers on Thursday.
The top 10 players earned a cumulative $945 million this season.
Ronaldo, 40, is on a fresh two-year contract with Saudi Pro League club, Al Nassr.
The Portugal captain is estimated to earn $230 million from the club and $50 million from partners, more than double that of his perceived career rival Lionel Messi, in the 2025-2026 season.
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The earnings will comprise financial incentives from commercial agreements facilitated by the club, wages, and payment from partners including Nike, Binance and Herbalife.
The $280 million total earnings are before taxes and agents’ fees.
Messi, 38, will earn an estimated $130 million playing for MLS side, Inter Miami, while Frenchman Benzema will earn around $104 million playing out the final year of his contract with Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Full list:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: $280 million
2. Lionel Messi: $130 million
3. Karim Benzema: $104 million
4. Kylian Mbappé: $95 million
5. Erling Haaland: $80 million
6. Vinicius Jr: $60 million
7. Mohamed Salah: $55 million
8. Sadio Mané: $54 million
9. Jude Bellingham: $44 million
10. Lamine Yamal: $43 million
