In the world of football, some outstanding stars receive astronomical salaries, reflecting their influence and value to both their team and the industry. Every time a club spends huge sums of money to recruit or retain a top-class player, it is not just an investment in a valuable asset but also a commitment to a strategic goal: to win and succeed. The highest-paid footballers are not only excellent players on the field but also symbols, sources of inspiration, and pride for the club and its fans. This sparks a constant race among the world's top clubs to acquire and retain elite talent, to achieve historic victories and accomplishments. So, who is the highest paid footballer? Next, wintips.com will help you know the highest paid footballer in the world for 2025, let's follow along.
Top highest paid football players today
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 200 million euros (3,846,000 euros/week)
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has built an impressive career and is a global football icon. With a record-breaking transfer of 200 million euros, he left an indelible mark in football history. Ronaldo's weekly salary is 3,846,000 euros, making him the highest-paid player in the world and demonstrating his undeniable influence and value.
Not only is he a great player on the field, but Cristiano Ronaldo is also a symbol of prosperity and success. From the beginning of his career, with a determined spirit and unrelenting commitment, he conquered every challenge to become one of the best players of all time. With his scoring records, titles, and victories, Ronaldo has created a remarkable legacy and solidified his name in the hearts of global fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only a legendary figure in football but also a symbol of passion and determination. His perseverance and constant efforts have inspired millions of people around the world, proving that with determination and effort, anything is possible. Cristiano Ronaldo is not only a player but also a role model and source of encouragement for those who are passionate about football and life.
2. Karim Benzema – 200 million euros (3,846,000 euros/week)
After reaching his peak with Real Madrid, Karim Benzema decided to look for a new challenge in his career last summer. At 35, the Frenchman is the world's highest-paid footballer, earning 3,846,000 euros per week while playing for Al-Ittihad.
In Saudi Arabia, Benzema gradually adapted to his new life and quickly showcased his strength on the field. With 3 goals in his first 5 matches for his new team, he proved his influence and value. It seems that the new environment has stimulated his motivation and encouraged Benzema to perform impressively.
Undoubtedly, Karim Benzema will bring many memorable moments to Al-Ittihad fans in the coming years. With his experience and talent, he will not only be an inspiration but also a crucial signing for the club.
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3. N'Golo Kante – 100 million euros (1,923,000 euros/week)
The French midfielder is currently ranked as one of the world's highest earners, and he has quickly put his wealth to use. Kante invested his wealth in Royal Excelsior Virton, a Belgian third-division club.
Flavio, the former president, is extremely happy to hand over the club's keys to N'Golo Kanté, a top-class player, not only for his football qualities but also for being a figure loved by everyone," Royal Excelsior said in a club statement.
"Driven by his passion for football, N'Golo Kanté aims to maintain the club's structure while strengthening its foundations, stabilizing its personnel, and ultimately reconnecting with the RE Virton training tradition through the Youth Training Academy.
4. Neymar – 100 million euros (1,923,000 euros/week)
Neymar's departure has left a significant void in Champions League matches, making match nights less attractive than before. The Brazilian superstar recently moved to Al Hilal and is now earning a staggering salary that far exceeds what he earned at PSG.
According to information from many sources, Neymar is not only paid an extremely high and attractive salary at Al Hilal but also receives special benefits from his contract. Specifically, he can use a private plane and receive a bonus of 80,000 euros for each victory, along with a large villa and dedicated service staff. It is worth noting that Neymar also earns 500,000 euros for each Instagram post promoting Saudi Arabia, generating astonishing figures that few can imagine.
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5. Kylian Mbappe – 70 million euros (1,346,000 euros/week)
In the world of European football, Kylian Mbappe is among the 10 highest-earning players, a clear demonstration of the great charisma and influence he exerts not only on the field but also in the commercial and media sectors. This prominence is not only due to his talent and success on the field but also to the global idolization and influence he has cultivated.
Although there have been attempts to reintegrate him into Paris Saint-Germain’s first team after a long period with the youth squad, Kylian Mbappe's future remains uncertain. Rumors regarding his move to Real Madrid remain a major talking point in the transfer market. Many believe that Mbappe will join the Spanish club on a free transfer at the end of his PSG contract, marking a new chapter in his career.
Fans and experts eagerly await Kylian Mbappe's decision, not only on whether he will continue at Paris Saint-Germain or leave but also on the direction and challenges he will face in the future. Regardless of his final decision, one thing is certain: Mbappe will remain one of the brightest icons in soccer, continuing to attract the attention of the entire football world.
6. Lionel Messi – 45 million euros (865,000 euros/week)
Lionel Messi rejected an offer exceeding 1 billion euros to join the Saudi Pro League, choosing MLS as his next destination instead. Despite the lucrative offer, Messi was ultimately more attracted to the project in the US, aiming to enjoy daily life and spend more time with his family.
In a conversation with reporters after signing with Inter Miami, Messi shared: "I want to return and enjoy my daily life, to enjoy my family and my children." Messi's sincerity and desire are reflected in this decision, as he prioritizes personal and family happiness over all else.
Messi's integration into a team in American soccer is also noteworthy. Reuniting with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi has become happier and more confident as he is once again surrounded by close friends. Seeing Messi this happy on the pitch for his club is something fans can't help but feel delighted by.
7. Sadio Mane – 40 million euros (769,000 euros/week)
For Sadio Mane, his time at Bayern Munich has been short and disappointing. Although there were high expectations when he joined this team, things never met them. This left Liverpool fans devastated by the loss of one of their best players. However, since leaving Anfield, Mane no longer seems to have maintained his form and brilliance.
After spending just one year at Allianz Arena, Sadio Mane left Bayern Munich to seek new opportunities in the Saudi Pro League. Ultimately, Al Nassr secured Mane’s signature and agreed to pay him a weekly salary of 769,000 euros—an impressive and astonishing figure.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's coach, could not hide his regret and surprise at Mane's departure from Bayern Munich after just one season. He told reporters: 'I don't know what happened at Bayern. When he left us, he was in very good form—a world-class player. New environment, new expectations. I didn't talk to Sadio about it.' This highlights Klopp's regret and lack of insight into the circumstances surrounding Mane’s decision.
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8. Jordan Henderson – 35 million euros (673,000 euros/week)
Jordan Henderson, former Liverpool captain, has become the highest-paid English player in the world. Upon completing his move to Al-Ettifaq, he embarked on a new chapter in his career.
With a salary of up to 769,000 euros per week, Henderson now earns more than an entire squad of 11 talented players combined, to the extent that it surprises people. The move to Al-Ettifaq has not only brought him new opportunities but also a promising financial future. Behind that impressive number are Henderson's tireless efforts and commitment to his career.
9. Riyad Mahrez – 35 million euros (673.000 euros/week)
Without the Algerian winger, the Premier League has lost part of its appeal and diversity on the field. While the decision to move to Saudi Arabia may be regrettable, he cannot be blamed given that he now earns a higher salary than any of his former teammates.
Riyad Mahrez, who has joined Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia as a star player, is expected to continue shining as he did before. With his talent and experience, it is no surprise that he will deliver impressive goal and assist numbers, further enhancing the appeal of the Saudi Pro League.
10. Kalidou Koulibaly – 30 million euros (577,000 euros/week)
After a challenging season in the Premier League, the Senegal international spent just one season in England before seeking new opportunities. He received a significant salary while playing for Chelsea, but ultimately, Al-Hilal offered him an even higher salary, taking his earnings to a new level.
Kalidou Koulibaly, with a huge salary of up to 577,000 euros per week, has become the highest-paid defender in the world. The move to Al-Hilal has not only brought him new opportunities but also a promising financial future. Behind that impressive number are Koulibaly's dedication and tireless efforts to advance further in his career.
Conclusion
In the modern world of football, it is no longer strange for clubs to spend huge amounts of money to pay top stars. However, determining who is the highest-paid footballer in the world is not only about the amount of money on the contract but also about the value and influence he or she brings to the team. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe are not only top players but also great symbols and football brands. The fact that they are the highest-paid is not only about their skills in the field but also about their commercial value and global influence. Behind those impressive numbers are tireless efforts and dedicated commitment to their beloved sport.
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