As football continues to evolve both on and off the pitch, the financial landscape of the sport has reached unprecedented heights. In the 2023/24 season, the highest-paid football players are not only defined by their skills with the ball but also by the lucrative contracts that place them at the zenith of the footballing earnings hierarchy.
Highest Paid Footballers in the world 2024
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): £55 million/year
The Argentine maestro Lionel Messi rounds off the top five with an annual salary of £55 million. After an illustrious career with Barcelona and a short stint with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has embraced a new challenge in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. His iconic status and on-field brilliance ensure that he remains among the highest earners in the football world.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG): £62 million/year
Despite the high-profile move of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain back in 2021, it is Kylian Mbappe who claims the fourth spot with an annual salary of £62 million. The French sensation remains a key figure for PSG, and his marketability as one of the brightest talents in football significantly contributes to his earnings.
Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): £85 million/year
The French maestro, Karim Benzema, graces the third position with an annual salary of £85 million. A linchpin for Real Madrid before making a move to Al-Ittihad, Benzema's goal-scoring prowess and all-around attacking abilities have been rewarded with a lucrative contract in the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar Jr. (Al Hilal): £86 million/year
Brazilian flair and footballing wizardry define Neymar Jr., who secures the second spot in this list with an £86 million annual salary. Having moved to Al Hilal, Neymar continues to be a global icon, combining his dazzling skills with a significant off-field presence. Endorsements and sponsorships contribute significantly to his astronomical earnings.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr): £173 million/year
Unsurprisingly, leading the pack is the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese talisman, now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, commands a colossal annual salary of £173 million. Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and marketing appeal, Ronaldo's influence extends beyond the pitch, making him a financial juggernaut.
As football continues to captivate a global audience, the financial stakes have risen to unprecedented levels. The top earners for the 2023/24 season showcase a blend of seasoned legends and emerging stars, all contributing to the spectacle both on and off the field. Beyond the goals and assists, these players are also key players in the commercial sphere, emphasizing football's status as not just a sport but a global entertainment phenomenon. The astronomical figures attached to their contracts underscore the immense value and influence these footballing titans bring to the beautiful game.
