Forbes: Yamal Among Highest-Paid Players - Ronaldo Tops List

Barcelona's 18-year-old Lamine Yamal is among the top 10 highest-paid footballers for 2025, according to Forbes. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the Forbes list with earnings of $280 million, following his contract extension with Al-Nassr. He is followed by Lionel Messi with $130 million and Karim Benzema with $104 million.

Kylian Mbappé ($95 million) and Erling Haaland ($80 million) also feature in the top five.

Yamal, with a new contract until 2031, is capitalizing on a season with 18 goals and 25 assists, earning $43 million.

The 10 highest-paid players according to Forbes:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr): $280 million
2. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $130 million
3. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad): $104 million
4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): $95 million
5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): $80 million
6. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid): $60 million
7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): $55 million
8. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr): $54 million
9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): $44 million
10. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): $43 million