Highest Paid Footballers in 2023: Lionel Messi gives way for ‘King Ronaldo’ in Forbes’ $988m list
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Cristiano Ronaldo headlines the top 10 highest paid footballer in the world in 2023| Illustration by David Ben/Pulse Sports

Highest Paid Footballers in 2023: Lionel Messi gives way for ‘King Ronaldo’ in Forbes’ $988m list

David Ben 21:03 - 14.10.2023

Cristiano Ronaldo has maintained his crown as the highest paid footballer in the world in 2023 ahead of his eternal rival Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s millions on the pitch is miles ahead of every other soccer player on the planet.

The 38-year-old legendary Portuguese signed a record-breaking contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr earlier in January this year, with the reported figures placing him high and above every other footballer in the world.

Ronaldo’s move to the Middle East opened the door to a number of high-profile arrivals in the Middle East including his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.

Highest-paid footballers in 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo presented with an award || Credit: Imago

Benzema, amongst a host of prominent footballers who made the move to Saudi in the summer transfer window penned mouth-watering contracts that left the footballing world stunned.

But this, however, came as no surprise to many knowing the club economic muscle of Saudi Arabia.

Pulse Sports reported that the Public Investment Fund, which owns Saudi clubs like Al-Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Newcastle United, is the richest football club owner in the world - boasting assets worth over US$700 billion.

Highest-paid footballers in 2023
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund is the no.1 richest football club owner in the world in 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar are three names that have always remained at the forefront of football’s rich-list over the last decade.

And the three most-followed footballers in the world have once more maintained their stay in the list of highest-paid footballers in the world.

Highest paid footballers in 2023
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (2nd L) is presented by (from R) owners of Inter Miami CF David Beckham, Jose R. Mas and Jorge Mas at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 16, 2023| Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/via Getty Images

This week, Forbes revealed their list of the highest-paid soccer players in the world - with little guesses as to who owns top spot.

CRISTIANO RONALDO reigns supreme in Top 10 world’s highest-paid footballers in 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo is the no.1 highest paid footballer in 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo is the no.1 highest paid footballer in 2023

According to the aforementioned outlet, the rankings represent the combined total of on-field earnings for the 2023-24 season, including base salaries, bonuses and, in some cases, club-based image rights agreements, and off-field estimates that reflect annual cash from endorsements, licensing, appearances and memorabilia, as well as businesses operated by the players.

Two Al Nassr stars make the list as well as two Manchester City players, with one player each from the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Major League Soccer(MLS) also rounding up the rich-list.

Below is a list of the Top 10 highest-paid footballers in the world in 2023 as per figures from Forbes.

10. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich - $36 million

Harry Kane is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and England (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

On-Field Earnings: $26 million

Off-Field Earnings: $10 million

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In 10th position is Tottenham Hotspur’s former no.10.

Harry Kane has since established himself as one of the greatest strikers of the modern era.

Kane, 30, sealed a mega-money switch to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer, and that deal saw his earnings increase significantly to become the highest-paid British professional footballer in the world in 2023, taking home a weekly package of more than half a million dollars at the Allianz Arena.

Off the pitch. Kane signed a multi-year partnership with Fanatics, becoming the first British athlete to partner exclusively with the company’s autographs and memorabilia division.

9. Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City - $39 million

Kevin de Bruyne is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Kevin de Bruyne is the highest-paid player in the 2023/24 Premier League season| Photo Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $35 million

Off-Field Earnings: $4 million

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De Bruyne is no doubt a City legend and one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era.

Arguably the best player in the Premier League, the 32-year-old Belgian is currently the highest-paid footballer in England - bonuses aside, and one of the highest-paid players in the world in 2023.

Since coming into the discussion of the world’s best, the majestic midfield maestro and Roc Nation signee has never left.

8. Sadio Mané, Al Nassr - $52 million

Sadio Mane is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Sadio Mané of Al Nassr and Senegal(Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)

On-Field Earnings: $48 million

Off-Field Earnings: $4 million

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Senegal skipper Sadio Mané is a true inspiration for African footballers on and off the pitch.

At 31 years of age, Mané is the most prolific Senegalese footballers in history leading his nation’s scoring charts currently with 37 career goals.

After a successful spell in England with Liverpool, Mane left the Premier League to test new waters in the Bundesliga with German giants Bayern Munich.

However, after a difficult season in Germany, the philanthropic winger sealed a mega-money deal to join Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

That deal would essentially make him the highest-paid African footballer in history with regard to wages on the pitch and one of the highest paid footballers in the world in 2023.

Off the pitch, Mané has a number of lucrative deals, most notably with prominent sportswear brand New Balance.

7. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool - $53 million

Mo Salah is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Egypt| Photo Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $35 million

Off-Field Earnings: $18 million

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Mohamed Salah holds down his position as the highest-paid African footballer in the world in 2023.

Salah edges out his former Reds teammate Sadio Mane on this list due to his expected income off the pitch.

The 31-year-old iconic Egyptian is already an all-time Liverpool great, and nearly became the most expensive signing in the Saudi Pro League after Al Ittihad reportedly offered a staggering $190 million transfer fee - only for Liverpool to immediately reject on deadline day.

Off the pitch, Mo Salah has a signature boot with Adidas and also has deals with brands like Pepsi and Vodafone.

6. Erling Haaland, Manchester City - $58 million

Erling Haaland is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Manchester City's Erling Haaland is one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League | Photo Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $46 million

Off-Field Earnings: $12 million

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Erling Haaland’s meteoric rise on the world stage is one of the biggest fairytale stories in Norwegian football.

The 23-year-old goal machine is arguably the best marksman in football currently.

Haaland is also one of the highest-paid footballers in the Premier League, with some reports stating that the former Borussia Dortmund striker is actually at the top of the list considering the attainable bonuses at clauses included in his Man City contract when he moved to the Etihqd in the summer of 2022.

Haaland has a lucrative Nike deal and graced the cover of the EA Sports FC 2024 video game, which was rebranded after EA’s 30-year partnership with FIFA ended.

5. Karim Benzema, Al Ittihad - $106 million

Karim Benzema is one of the highest-paid footballers in 2023
Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad (Photo by Abdul Ghani Bashir Issa/MB Media/Getty Images)

On-Field Earnings: $100 million

Off-Field Earnings: $6 million

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At no.5 is French striker and the current holder of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, Karim Benzema.

‘Big Benz‘ as he is fondly called is a Real Madrid legend through and through, having helped the Los Blancos win 24 trophies during his spell, including five Champions League titles.

Benzema said his goodbyes to Europe in June 2023, and went ahead to sign an eye-catching mega-money deal with Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad.

When quizzed about his decision to switch to the Middle East, the 35-year-old said: “It’s where I want to be because it’s important for me to be in a Muslim country, where I feel people (are) already like me.

“It will allow me to have a new life and I can’t wait to live there.”

As of 2023, Benzema is the highest-earning French footballer on the pitch.

4. Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint Germain - $110 million

Kylian Mbappe is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Kylian Mbappe of PSG and France | Photo Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $90 million

Off-Field Earnings: $20 million

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Sitting in fourth place is France’s golden boy and the ‘King of Paris’ Kylian Mbappé.

The Paris Saint Germain talisman has been embroiled in a nervy back and forth with his long-term suitors Real Madrid since 2020.

However, the 24-year-old Les Blues skipper ended up pledging his allegiance to his hometown - and for a mammoth price, it was reported.

Mbappé is the highest-paid footballer in France, and the highest-paid French footballer in history when his income off the pitch is factored into the discussion.

Mbappé has deals with Nike, RIMOWA, Oakley and Dior.

3. Neymar Jr., Al Hilal - $112 million

Neymar is one of the highest paid footballers in 2023
Neymar Jr. of Al Hilal and Brazil || Photo Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $80 million

Off-Field Earnings: $32 million

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In third place is Brazilian football icon Neymar.

Widely considered as the most talented Brazilian footballer of his generation, Neymar is no doubt one of the best players in the world.

The 31-year-old attacker said his goodbyes to PSG in the summer amid controversy over his exit.

Neymar signed an incredible deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in what was a huge pay rise from his salary at PSG.

He has consistently been in the discussion of the highest-paid footballers and athletes in the world since singing for Barcelona as far back as 2013.

His finances have always gone up as he has managed to sustain his commercial value despite being embroiled in a slew of scandals.

As of 2023, Neymar is the highest-paid Brazilian footballer in the world, and the most-followed Brazilian footballer in the world.

Away from the pitch, he remains as active as ever, with a list of sponsors that includes Puma, Konami and Red Bull. More recently, Neymar announced a partnership with Portuguese horse breeding farm Team Campline.

2. Lionel Messi, Inter Miami - $135 million

Lionel Messi is the 2nd highest paid footballer in the world in 2023
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and Argentina| Photo Credit: AP

On-Field Earnings: $65 million

Off-Field Earnings: $70 million

Lionel Messi takes no.2 spot on the rich list.

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Messi chose to walk away from renewing his contract at PSG this summer, and instead opted to sign for MLS franchise club Inter Miami.

The 36-year-old Argentine legend is widely considered the greatest footballer of all time and reportedly turned down a deal worth well over $200 million from the Middle East in favour of a move to the U.S.

The 2022 World Cup winner and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is the highest earner on this list off the pitch, boasting the most lucrative deals in endorsements and sponsorships with brands like Budweiser, Adidas, Pepsi, Activision, amongst others.

However, despite Messi’s mammoth earnings, he is still a significant distance behind his eternal rival who is no.1 on the rich list.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr - $260 million

Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest footballer in 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Portugal | Photo Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $200 million

Off-Field Earnings: $60 million

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Holding down the no.1 spot as firmly as ever is Portuguese football legend - Cristiano Ronaldo.

When Ronaldo made up his mind to accept the proposal to bow out from European club football, that contract he signed with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr automatically crowned him as the highest-paid footballer in the world.

In the history of the sport, no other footballer has been paid more by his club on a yearly basis.

Ronaldo’s  effect in the Middle East has been instant, with some high-profile names making the switch to the Saudi Pro League in the summer transfer window.

The Saudis haven’t been shy about taking advantage of his celebrity star power.

CR7 has already appeared in a video posted by Al Nassr, wearing traditional Saudi attire, to promote the Kingdom’s National Day, and featured in another one for the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou boxing match in Riyadh.

Reports have also emerged that Ronaldo could hold talks with WWE ahead of their annual PPV Crown Jewel, set to take place in Riyadh, this November.

Off the pitch, CR7 has since signed deals with brands like Livescore, Herbalife, Binance, and launched his brand of drinking water - URSU.