Are you curious about which football stars are raking in the most cash? Discover the top 10 highest-paid footballers per week in 2025, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi, and explore the lucrative world of football salaries. At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we provide accurate and up-to-date information on sports finances. Learn about the big earners and their surprising moves.
The world of professional football is not only about skill and passion but also about substantial earnings. The top footballers command enormous salaries, reflecting their value to clubs and the global appeal of the sport. In 2025, several players have secured lucrative contracts that place them at the pinnacle of the highest-paid list. This article explores the top 10 highest-paid footballers per week, detailing their earnings and the clubs they represent.
Highest-Paid Footballers in the World 2025
The sums quoted are pre-tax figures based on reports from trusted news sources and databases. They do not include bonuses, extra fees, or players’ various sponsorship deals, which, in some cases, can instantly double their annual income.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) – £3.4m
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the earnings charts, topping the list with an astounding £3.4 million per week playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. His move to Al Nassr in 2022, following a mutual termination of his contract at Manchester United, drew considerable attention. Despite criticism, Ronaldo’s bank balance is undeniably benefiting from this career move.
Ronaldo’s decision to join Al Nassr has not only provided him with a lucrative contract but has also helped to elevate the profile of the Saudi Pro League. According to Forbes, Ronaldo’s endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Herbalife, and Tag Heuer significantly boost his annual income, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
2. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) – £1.6m
Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, secured the second spot with a weekly wage of £1.6 million at Al-Ittihad. His move to the Saudi Professional League outfit in 2023 followed a highly successful tenure at Real Madrid. Benzema’s decision to leave the Bernabeu was a major surprise to many in the footballing world.
Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad highlighted the growing financial power of Saudi Arabian clubs in attracting top talent. A study by Deloitte found that Saudi Pro League clubs spent over $1 billion in player transfers in the summer of 2023, underscoring their ambition to become a major force in global football.
3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – £900,000
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, earns £900,000 per week playing for Inter Miami. His decision to join David Beckham’s MLS club on a free transfer after his PSG contract expired marked a significant moment for football in the United States. Messi reportedly shunned a switch to Saudi Arabia and an emotional return to Barcelona.
Messi’s arrival in Miami has had a transformative impact on the club and the MLS as a whole. A report by ESPN indicated that Inter Miami’s ticket sales and merchandise revenue surged following Messi’s signing, demonstrating his immense commercial appeal.
4. Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) – £730,000
Sadio Mane, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, earns £730,000 per week. His move to the Saudi Arabian club followed a disappointing season at Bayern Munich. The former Liverpool forward signed a four-year deal until 2027.
Mane’s transfer to Al Nassr further solidified the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level. According to a FIFA report, the influx of high-profile players into the Saudi Pro League is part of a broader strategy to enhance the league’s global competitiveness and attract international audiences.
5. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – £580,000
Riyad Mahrez joined Al-Ahli for £580,000 a week, seeking a new challenge after a successful stint with Manchester City, where he helped the team win the treble in the 2022/23 season. The Algeria international winger is contracted with the Saudi Professional League side until 2027.
Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli is part of the broader trend of talented players joining the Saudi Pro League. A study by the CIES Football Observatory noted that the average age of players in the Saudi Pro League has decreased, reflecting the league’s focus on attracting younger, high-potential talent.
6. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – £540,000
Robert Lewandowski continues to command a high salary, earning £540,000 per week at Barcelona. Despite his age, Lewandowski remains a prolific goal scorer and a key player for the Catalan club. His stunning form in La Liga and the Champions League in 2024/25 justifies his high wage.
Lewandowski’s continued success at Barcelona underscores the value of experienced players in top leagues. A UEFA report highlighted that clubs with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents tend to perform better in European competitions.
7. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – £500,000
Kylian Mbappe earns £500,000 per week at Real Madrid. Mbappe moved from PSG to Real Madrid in 2024. While this is less than his PSG wage, Mbappe received a £128 million signing-on bonus to be paid over five years and kept a large percentage of his image rights.
Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has been long anticipated and is expected to boost both his career and the club’s performance. According to a study by KPMG, Real Madrid’s brand value is among the highest in the world, and adding a player of Mbappe’s caliber is likely to further enhance their commercial appeal.
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – £500,000
Erling Haaland, the prolific striker for Manchester City, earns £500,000 per week. Haaland has terrorized Premier League defenses since his arrival.
Haaland’s impact on Manchester City has been immediate and significant. A Premier League report highlighted that Haaland broke numerous scoring records in his debut season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
9. N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad) – £500,000
N’Golo Kante earns £500,000 a week playing for Al-Ittihad. He moved to Saudi Arabia on a two-year contract after his deal with Chelsea expired at the end of the 2022/23 season. Kante is one of the most decorated players in recent history, having won major trophies including the World Cup and Champions League.
Kante’s move to Al-Ittihad adds further quality and experience to the Saudi Pro League. A recent analysis by The Guardian noted that the influx of experienced players like Kante is aimed at raising the overall standard of play and attracting a wider global audience.
10. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) – £500,000
Kalidou Koulibaly earns £500,000 per week at Al Hilal. Koulibaly moved to Saudi Arabia after a brief stint at Chelsea. Despite a sub-par year in the Premier League, he received a substantial boost to his weekly pay.
Koulibaly’s move to Al Hilal highlights the financial incentives drawing players to the Saudi Pro League. According to a report by Sky Sports, the Saudi Arabian clubs are investing heavily in player acquisitions as part of their long-term vision to develop a world-class football league.
Factors Influencing Footballers’ Salaries
Several factors influence the salaries of these top footballers:
- Performance and Achievements: Players with a consistent record of high performance and significant achievements, such as winning major trophies, command higher salaries.
- Market Demand: The demand for a player’s skills and position in the market plays a crucial role. Clubs are willing to pay more for players who can fill a critical need and improve their team.
- Commercial Appeal: Players with a strong brand and commercial appeal attract lucrative sponsorship deals and increase revenue for their clubs, justifying higher wages.
- League and Club Finances: The financial health and ambition of the league and club also influence salaries. Leagues with greater financial backing, such as the English Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, can afford to pay higher wages.
- Contract Negotiations: Skilled agents and effective contract negotiations can significantly impact a player’s earning potential.
The Rise of the Saudi Pro League
The increasing presence of Saudi Pro League players on the list of highest-paid footballers highlights the growing financial power and ambition of Saudi Arabian clubs. The Saudi government has invested heavily in football as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and enhance the country’s global image. This investment has enabled clubs to attract top talent from around the world, offering lucrative contracts that are difficult to refuse.
Impact on the Football Landscape
The high salaries commanded by these top footballers have a significant impact on the broader football landscape:
- Increased Competition: The financial disparity between leagues and clubs can lead to increased competition for talent, with wealthier clubs able to outbid others for top players.
- Financial Sustainability: The high wages can strain the financial sustainability of clubs, particularly those without substantial revenue streams.
- Youth Development: The focus on signing established stars can sometimes overshadow the importance of investing in youth development and nurturing homegrown talent.
- Global Appeal: The presence of star players in different leagues enhances the global appeal of the sport, attracting new fans and increasing television revenue.
Future Trends in Football Salaries
Several trends are likely to shape football salaries in the future:
- Continued Growth of Emerging Leagues: Leagues in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States are expected to continue growing, attracting more top players with lucrative contracts.
- Increased Focus on Performance-Based Incentives: Clubs may increasingly tie player salaries to performance-based incentives, rewarding players for achieving specific goals and milestones.
- Greater Scrutiny of Financial Fair Play: Regulatory bodies like UEFA are likely to increase scrutiny of clubs’ finances to ensure compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations.
- Technological Advancements: Advancements in data analytics and player tracking technology may lead to more sophisticated methods of valuing players and determining salaries.
Understanding the dynamics of footballer salaries provides valuable insights into the business side of the sport and the factors that shape the careers of these top athletes. As the game continues to evolve, these trends are likely to play an increasingly important role in determining the financial landscape of football.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is the highest-paid footballer in the world in 2025?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer in the world in 2025, earning £3.4 million per week.
2. Which league has the most players on the highest-paid list?
The Saudi Pro League has a significant presence on the list, reflecting the league’s financial investment in attracting top talent.
3. How do sponsorship deals affect a footballer’s total income?
Sponsorship deals can significantly increase a footballer’s total income, sometimes doubling their annual earnings.
4. What factors influence a footballer’s salary?
Performance, market demand, commercial appeal, league and club finances, and contract negotiations all influence a footballer’s salary.
5. Why are Saudi Arabian clubs paying such high wages?
Saudi Arabian clubs are investing heavily in football as part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and enhance its global image.
6. How has Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami affected the club?
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami has had a transformative impact on the club, with surging ticket sales and merchandise revenue.
7. What role do agents play in negotiating footballer salaries?
Skilled agents can significantly impact a player’s earning potential through effective contract negotiations.
8. Are high footballer salaries sustainable for clubs?
High wages can strain the financial sustainability of clubs, particularly those without substantial revenue streams.
9. How is technology changing the way footballers are valued?
Advancements in data analytics and player tracking technology may lead to more sophisticated methods of valuing players and determining salaries.
10. What are the future trends in footballer salaries?
Future trends include the continued growth of emerging leagues, an increased focus on performance-based incentives, and greater scrutiny of Financial Fair Play.
