The world of soccer continues to be lucrative for its top stars. The 2024 list of the highest-earning soccer players features familiar names who make astronomical sums from their on-field performances and off-field endorsements.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $285 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo again takes the top spot, amassing a staggering $285 million in total earnings. The majority of his income, around $220 million, comes from his contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, with the remaining $65 million generated from his extensive endorsement deals. Ronaldo’s lifetime contract with Nike, along with partnerships with brands like TAG Heuer, Herbalife, and Binance, continues to bolster his off-field income. At nearly 40 years old, he remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
2. Lionel Messi – $135 Million
Following closely behind is Lionel Messi, whose move to Inter Miami has not only shaken up the MLS but also his earning potential. Messi’s total earnings for 2024 are reported at $135 million, with $75 million coming from sponsorships and $60 million from his playing contract. His endorsements with Adidas, Apple, Pepsi, and Mastercard are key contributors to his wealth, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in soccer.
3. Neymar Jr. – $110 Million
Neymar Jr. secures the third spot with $110 million in earnings despite a challenging year on the field due to injuries. His move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia comes with a hefty salary, while his existing endorsement deals with Puma and other global brands ensure his off-field earnings remain robust.
4. Kylian Mbappé – $105 Million
The French superstar Kylian Mbappé continues to be a financial powerhouse, earning $105 million in 2024. With Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continuing to pay him a high salary, his brand partnerships, especially with Nike, add a significant boost to his total earnings.
5. Karim Benzema – $100 Million
Karim Benzema’s transfer to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League has proven to be incredibly profitable, with the former Real Madrid star making $100 million. His earnings are largely driven by his lucrative contract and growing endorsement portfolio.
6. Erling Haaland – $75 Million
Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland is not only breaking records on the pitch but also growing his earnings off it. Haaland’s combination of club salary and sponsorship deals has brought his total earnings to $75 million, marking him as one of the fastest-growing names in soccer’s financial landscape.
7. Robert Lewandowski – $65 Million
The Polish striker, who now plays for Barcelona, earns $65 million, thanks to his impressive performances in La Liga and consistent off-field endorsement deals.
8. Mohamed Salah – $60 Million
Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah remains a key player in the Premier League and a major brand ambassador for companies like Adidas, helping him reach total earnings of $60 million.
9. Kevin De Bruyne – $55 Million
Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, has earned $55 million in 2024, with his on-field performance complemented by endorsements with Nike and other global brands.
10. Sadio Mane – $50 Million
Rounding out the top ten is Sadio Mane, whose move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has boosted his earnings to $50 million, fueled by both salary and sponsorships.
The Growing Influence of Saudi Pro League
One noticeable trend in the 2024 earnings list is the significant impact of the Saudi Pro League, with multiple top players like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema moving to the league for highly lucrative contracts. This influx has shifted the dynamics of player salaries globally, making the Middle East a new hotspot for top-tier soccer talent.
Conclusion
The highest-earning soccer players of 2024 showcase not only their immense talent on the field but also their ability to leverage their brand power off the field. With major endorsements and high-paying contracts, these athletes continue to dominate both in the sports and financial realms.
