It is of no doubt that Football is actually the most popularly sports in the world even though it is not the sports that pays the most.
It's worth noting that football player salaries can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the league they play in, the team they play for, and their individual performance and achievements. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the finances of many football clubs, which could affect player salaries in the coming years.
According to statistics, it is estimated that football reaches 3.5 billion fans. The only sport that comes close to these figures is that of Cricket, having 2.5 billion.
In this article, we will talk about the players who earn the most in the game. Here is the list of the highest-paid football players on the planet in 2023.
Table of Contents
Highest Paid Football Players in The World 2023
Get ready to be blown away by the sheer talent and wealth of the world's top football players! In this exclusive report, we will unveil the highly anticipated 2023 rankings of the highest paid football players in the world. Brace yourself for jaw-dropping figures and mind-boggling contracts as we delve into the glamorous lives of these sporting icons. From the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the rising star Kylian Mbappé, we will take a closer look at the impressive earnings that have catapulted these players to the top of the financial game.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (AL NASSR) - $200 Million/ Year
If you have been a football fan for quite long then seeing this name on the list of the highest paid football players should be of no surprise to you. More than 20 years into his professional career, Ronaldo has become the first man to score in five World Cups.
In the summer of 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest-paid player in the history of the English Premier League at the time he signed a two-year contract with Manchester United though things did nit end well.
Well, you can all agree with me that it is not only in England that you see players with high Pay slips.
Cristiano's recent move to Al Nassr is the reason for him sited at the top of this list since he earns a mind blowing $200 million per year.
2. LIONEL MESSI(INTER MIAMI) - $150 MILLION/YEAR
The second spot is reserved for arguably the best player in the history of the game. After his outstanding performance at the World Cup 2022, It is hard to deny the fact that Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
According to Sportico, Messi - already one of the highest-paid athletes of all-time -- has agreed to a two-and-a-half year contract with Inter Miami that could pay him a total of $150 million. This includes Messi's salary, his signing bonus, and an ownership stake in the club upon his retirement.
However, that's not all the money Messi could make from his MLS adventure. The details are reportedly still being worked out between Messi's camp and Apple, Adidas, and Fanatics, with Messi poised to receive a slice of revenue from each company as a condition for playing in North America.
3. KYLIAN MBAPPE (PSG) - $128 MILLION/YEAR
It is of no doubt that we expect to find more players from PSG on this list since the club puts in a lot when it comes to paying its players.
Unfortunately, it is still not enough for the French giants to win a UEFA Champions League since they often get eliminated the knock-out stage.
Even though Mbappe frequently shows his desire to join Real Madrid, he still at PSG.
4. NEYMAR JUNIOR (PSG)- $68.5 MILION/YEAR
Since Neymar left the Spanish giant Barcelona, he has constantly been among the highest paid football players. Since signing a contact extension with PSG in the year 2021, he is actually one of the highest paid football players.
The contract will see Neymar play for PSG until the summer of the year 2025- on signing this contract he receives $32 million a year for his troubles. When you put together his on and off-field earnings, then Neymar is not far from the $70 million mark.
If you have been following following football at least for the past decade, then you surely know that Neymar has been among the top five or top ten players in the past years.
5. MOHAMED SALAH (LIVERPOOL) - $53Million/Year
The Liverpool Super star signed a new three-year deal at the start of July 2022 and this made highest paid player in the history of Liverpool.
Actually from his performances, you will know that this amount was worth and at the time of writing this article, he counts more than 176 goals in 290 games.
6. ERLING HAALAND (MANCHESTER CITY) - $39 MILLION/YEAR
After a wonderful season, then we all can say that Haaland has lived to the high expectations after his expensive signing due to the whooping number of goals he has scored and his role in helping the Manchester City achieve their very first Champions League.
Erling Haaland recorded 25 goals in his first 19 Premier League appearances - this is a staggering record for the game's next global superstar.
7. OSCAR (SHANGHAI SIPG) - $34 MILLION/YEAR
Everyone was surprised at the time Oscar decided to move to China in the year 2016 though he was still performant.
However, it is estimated that the Brazilian earned more than three times his salary at the Chinese club as compared to what he would have earned at the Blues. So financially speaking, this was actually a good decision for him.
8. EDEN HAZARD (REAL MADRID) - $31 MILLION/YEAR
When it comes to paying footballers a whooping amount but failing to get the best out of them, then Manchester United and Real Madrid fall in the same set.
Hazard though earns a huge amount, he has spent most of his time at Real Madrid in the treatment room since after joining from Chelsea back in the year 2019.
Also, he has not been in top form whenever he makes it into the team. For this reason, Real Madrid are looking forward to terminating the players contract.
9. ANDRES INIESTA (VISSEL KOBE) - $30 MILLION/YEAR
Sure you had in mind that this midfield guru had retired right? Well Iniesta is still in the pitch even though his teammate Xavi is currently managing Barcelona. The Spanish hero at the World Cup 2010 is now dazzling defenses in Japan.
Since joining the Japanese club in the year 2018, Iniesta has won the Emperor's Cup and the Japanese Super Cup with his new club.
10. KEVIN DE BRUYNE (MANCHESTER CITY) - $29 MILLION/YEAR
Here comes one of the best players in the world right now if not the best and this quality is reflected with a huge pay slip.
The Belgian player renewed his contract during the summer of 2021. Sure he looks forward to extending his loyalty at the club till the year 2025.
Who is the Highest Paid Footballer in 2023?
Currently, Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ highest-paid athlete list for 2023 since his move to the Saudi Arabia League.
Ronaldo joined the Saudi Arabian club in January after leaving Manchester United last year and, despite rumors suggesting he’s already looking to move on, the five-time Champions League winner has reaped the financial benefits of his decision.
Final Thoughts on the Highest Paid Football Players in the World 2023
In conclusion, the highest-paid football players in the world are typically some of the most successful and popular players in the sport. They earn millions of dollars in annual salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, thanks to their exceptional skills on the field and their massive popularity among fans around the world.
While Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Mbappe are currently the highest-paid football players in the world, the salaries of football players can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the league they play in, the team they play for, and their individual performance and achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest paid footballer in 2023?
Football star Cristiano Ronaldo has become the highest paid athlete in 2023 globally after moving to the Saudi Arabian football club, Al-Nassr.
Who is the highest paid sports man in the world 2023?
The World's Highest Paid Athletes List 2023. There are still plenty of athletes earning big bucks. The top earner for 2023 was one of the biggest names in football Cristiano Ronaldo with earnings totaling 136 million US dollars.