Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are among the highest paid footballers in the world in 2023, according to a Forbes report released Friday. The three have an estimated combined income of half a billion dollars from their major efforts over the past year.
Messi Mania caused a stir in South Beach this summer when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Inter Miami with historic MLS deal. The news follows widespread speculation that the former Paris Saint-Germain star would join the Saudi Pro League or return to FC Barcelona.
Ronaldo and Neymar’s places on the list are thanks in part to paychecks from the Saudi Pro League, an arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund that also powers the LIV Golf. Ronaldo left Manchester United to usher in the up-and-coming league and Neymar is one of the new signings after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, where he was Messi’s teammate for two seasons.
Here are the Top 5 richest footballers of 2023, according to Forbes:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $260 million
Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid footballer in the world with estimated earnings of $260 million in 2023. He returns to the top spot after being dethroned by Kylian Mbappé last year and had a four-year run from 2014 to 2017.
In December, Ronaldo, 38, signed a 2.5 year contract with Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr worth an estimated $200 million per year. The deal came after a dispute with English Premier League club Manchester United. As well as performing on the field, the Portuguese star has also appeared in promotional campaigns for the kingdom, including promoting the boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, the country’s capital.
The additional $60 million comes from off-field sponsorships. Ronaldo has 608 million followers on Instagram and a huge celebrity profile which he leverages to promote brands like Nike, Clear and Herbalife.
2. Lionel Messi – $135 million
Lionel Messi is second on the list with an income of $135 million. The 2022 World Cup winner last held the top spot in 2020, when he was the highest-paid footballer for three years running.
Of his 2023 earnings, $65 million comes from his contract with Inter Miami CF, and about $70 million comes from off-field deals.
When Messi, 36, signed a deal with David Beckham’s MLS side, he reportedly got a stake in Adidas and Apple TV on top of his salary.
The presence of the Argentine star in the United States has boosted ticket sales and social media following for the team and the league as a whole.
His 489 million followers on Instagram and his family image make him a sought-after marketing voice.
3. Neymar Jr. – $112 million
Neymar is third on the list with an estimated income of $112 million in 2023.
The Brazilian star, 31, followed the trend started by Ronaldo and joined Saudi Pro Club team Al Hilal this summer in a deal worth $100 million per year. He left French club Paris Saint-Germain where he played with Messi for two seasons.
Neymar reportedly earns $32 million from his off-field income. His involvement in fashion and pop culture has earned him 215 million followers on Instagram and sponsorship deals with Puma, Konami and Red Bull.
4. Kylian Mbappé – $110 million
After leading all soccer players last year with an income of $128 million, Kylian Mbappé moves down from the 2023 list to fourth place with an income of $110 million.
The French phenomenon remained at Paris Saint-Germain and earns $90 million on the field. Reports have circulated that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have offered him a contract worth $1 billion, which included transfer fees, but he remains with the Ligue 1 side for the moment. Real Madrid have also been in talks from time to time to sign the 2018 World Cup winner.
The 24-year-old is the second-youngest player on the list (No. 6 Erling Haaland is a year younger) and has 109 million Instagram followers and a smart fashion sensibility.
5. Karim Benzema – $106 million
Karim Benzema is fifth on the list with a reported income of $106 million.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner also plays in the Saudi Pro League for Al Ittihad. He joined the club in June after spending 14 years at Real Madrid and Forbes said he made $100 million from his play on the pitch.
Benzema, 35, may not be as marketable as others on the list, as he missed the 2018 World Cup due to scandal and the 2022 tournament with an injury. But he still has deals with adidas and Fendi and has 75.5 million followers on Instagram.
Read the full list of highest paid soccer players of 2023 at Forbes.
