With every passing year, the amount of money in the game of football increases at an alarming rate. Players make huge amounts of money for their hard work and talent, with the financial might of the huge multinational corporations powering the game seeming limitless.
Moreover, the rise of the internet and social media, in particular, has provided both brands and players alike a platform for their fans and audiences. In some cases, brand endorsements bring players more more money than their actual salaries.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2023.
Note: In line with the Forbes figures, we use US Dollars as the reference currency, and the transfers that took place till September 2023 have been fact-checked with other sources.
Also Read – 10 Biggest Boot Deals in Men’s Football
On-field earnings: US$26 million | Off-field earnings: US$10 million
With Daniel Levy not lowering his asking price and Bayern Munich unwilling to match his demands for the most part, it looked like Harry Kane would have to wait at least another year before finally getting his deserved big-club move away from Tottenham Hotspur. However, in the end, the two clubs found common ground and Harry Kane became a Bayern Munich player after signing a four-year deal that will bring him a reported US$26 million in on-field earnings.
Additionally, Kane’s new endorsement deals with brands like OxeFit and Skechers have taken his off-field earnings to US$10 million annually.
On-field earnings: US$35 million | Off-field earnings: US$4 million
Ever since Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City, there’s been one man running the show and pulling the strings from the heart of the action. The 32-year-old Belgium international has been the epitome of consistency for the blue half of Manchester, winning five league titles as well as being one of the chief architects of their treble-winning campaign last season.
Thus, it’s no surprise that the City talisman is one of the club’s highest earners too. Although his Norwegian teammate has overtaken him in terms of on-field earnings, De Bruyne still rakes in around US$35 million per year from his base salary and bonuses.
In terms of his off-field earnings, De Bruyne rakes in another US$4 million from his endorsement deals with the likes of Nike, McDonald’s and Veo Technologies.
On-field earnings: US$48 million | Off-field earnings: US$4 million
Following only a year with German champions Bayern Munich, where he didn’t manage to live up to the expectations, producing just 12 goals and six assists from 38 games across all competitions, Sadio Mané signed for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr ahead of the 2023/24 season.
As per reports, the Senegal international will take home US$48 million per year from on-field earnings, while his new long-term deal with New Balance will see him rake in another US$4 million from endorsement deals.
On-field earnings: US$35 million | Off-field earnings: US$18 million
There has been a lot of debate regarding whether Liverpool should have given Mohamed Salah the big £350,000-a-week contract that many believed Sadio Mané deserved. But despite Liverpool’s underwhelming performance last season, Salah scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 36 Premier League games last season, which helped him rake in US$35 million in on-field earnings.
The 31-year-old almost became Saudi Pro League’s most expensive acquisition earlier this year after Al-Ittihad reportedly offered a £150m transfer fee to the Merseyside club (as reported by The Guardian on September 1). However, with neither Salah nor Liverpool too keen on the move in the last week of the transfer window, it never materialised.
The Liverpool forward has endorsement deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi, Gucci and Vodafone among many others, which have helped him bring in an additional US$18 million in off-field earnings.
On-field earnings: US$46 million | Off-field earnings: US$12 million
The 23-year-old Norwegian is on course to make a claim for his very first Ballon d’Or title after guiding Manchester City to their first-ever European treble last season. Yes, such has been Erling Haaland’s impact on an already star-studded lineup. The former Borussia Dortmund forward joined the Cityzens as their second-highest earner last summer with a basic salary of £375,000-a-week. However, after some 50-odd goals, some outrageous assists, and breaking the all-time Premier League record for goals scored in a season, Haaland took home around US$46 million including bonuses in on-field earnings.
Haaland’s mercurial performances on the pitch have naturally translated into fruitful associations with numerous brands off the pitch over the past couple of years. He is currently endorsed by Nike, Samsung, Breitling and Viaplay, while he also holds a stake in California-based startup Hyperice. His off-field earnings round up to around US$12 million annually.
Also read: Decoding why Manchester City and Erling Braut Haaland are a match made in heaven
On-field earnings: US$100 million | Off-field earnings: US$6 million
After finally getting that all-important Ballon d’Or and winning everything there’s to be won in club football with Real Madrid, Karim Benzema felt it was time for a new challenge.
For some this challenge might seem to be on a professional level, but for Benzema it was much more personal. In an interview in June, the Frenchman said: “It [Saudi Arabia] is 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.”
Although he didn’t need much persuasion, it is safe to assume Benzema appreciates the US$100m-a-year contract he now has with Al-Ittihad. Additionally, his endorsement deals with the likes of Adidas, Hyundai and Bwin among others bring him another US$6 million in off-field earnings.
On-field earnings: US$90 million | Off-field earnings: US$20 million
Kylian Mbappé confirmed he would not extend his deal with Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the summer, putting him at odds with his employers. Since then, however, the two parties have found some common ground for the ongoing season, though a move to his boyhood dream club Real Madrid looks closer than ever for the young Frenchman.
That isn’t to say Mbappé didn’t have other suitors trying to prize him away from Paris. The 24-year-old had a US$1.1bn offer on the table to play just one season in the Middle East, but he decided it was better to stay put instead.
Despite all that, Mbappé is still one of the highest-earning footballers playing in Europe. The 2018 World Cup winner, who almost single-handedly won another World Cup for his country last winter, also has a few notable names in his sponsorship kitty, having ties with the likes of Nike, EA Sports, Hublot, Oakley and Sorare.
On-field earnings: US$80 million | Off-field earnings: US$32 million
The 31-year-old Brazil international also moved to the Saudi Pro League after securing a massive US$80m-a-year deal with Al Hilal. That’s on top of a mansion with staff, a fleet of luxury cars, access to a private jet, bonuses for team wins and social media posts, and permission to live with his girlfriend (which is restricted in the state) to lure him to the Middle East.
One of the reasons why Al Hilal forked out such a sum for Neymar is because of the social influence he brings to the table. He has endorsement deals with over 20 brands, which bring him roundabout US$32 million in off-field earnings.
On-field earnings: US$65 million | Off-field earnings: US$70 million
After finally conquering the world with his country and winning another league title with Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi made it clear that he wanted a new challenge.
Eventually, it took a cut of revenue from league partners Adidas and Apple TV, an option to buy stakes in Inter Miami when he hangs up his boots, and an on-field salary of US$65 million to lure the Argentine star to the US shores.
Messi also rakes in a massive US$70 million in off-field earnings from the 20-odd sponsors he holds currently. His lifetime sponsorship deal with Adidas alone bags him nearly one-third of his total off-the-field earnings.
Also read: Lionel Messi: Earnings | Endorsements | Investments | Charity work
On-field earnings: US$200 million | Off-field earnings: US$60 million
The 38-year-old Portuguese sensation found his new home earlier this year in the Middle East with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League. Although the five-time Ballon d’Or winner might be nearing the final days of his career, his reported US$200m-a-year salary, including a massive signing-on fee on top of his investments and brand endorsement deals, takes his overall annual earning to US$260 million. It has also been reported that the club bought out a portion of Ronaldo’s image rights.
The Portugal men’s national football team captain boasts a healthy line of long-term endorsement deals that includes the likes of Herbalife, Nike, DAZN, TAG Heuer and Clear among others. He also has a steady stream of revenue flowing from the multiple investments he has made in hotels, footwear and casualwear collections, and several startups.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo: Sponsors | Net Worth | Investments | Charity Work
On-field earnings: US$18 million | Off-field earnings: US$9 million
The England international is not making the same money he used to make with his former employers, Man City. Despite being Chelsea’s highest earner, with a reported base salary of £300,000-a-week, the 28-year-old’s annual on-field earnings have taken a hit from last year’s figure of US$22.6 million.
Sterling changed his boot supplier from Nike to New Balance in 2021, while he also holds multi-year sponsorship deals with Apple and Gillette. These three deals have contributed the most towards his US$9m off-pitch earnings this year.
On-field earnings: US$30 million | Off-field earnings: US$8 million
Believe it or not, the 39-year-old Barcelona legend is still going strong in Japan. After leaving his childhood club in 2018, Iniesta had signed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe on a three-year deal. The club renewed his contract for another two seasons till 2023, which brings his annual on-field earnings to a reported US$30 million.
Off the pitch, Iniesta has a long line of sponsorship deals. The former Spain international has deals in place with the likes of Asics, Nike, DAZN, Nissan, GeneLife, Ariel, UFX.com and Konami, to name a few.
On-field earnings: US$33 million | Off-field earnings: US$5 million
The Eden Hazard-Real Madrid marriage hasn’t worked out the way either party would have wanted. In almost four full seasons, Hazard has only scored seven goals, making a paltry 76 appearances for Los Blancos. Just like it was with Gareth Bale towards the end, Real Madrid have another player on hefty wages that they cannot seem to get off their books.
Despite not seeing much game time under current Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, Hazard still raked in a reported US$33 million from his club over the last year. He also has in place endorsement deals with a host of companies; Nike, Sina Sports, Topps, Lotus Bakeries and McDonald’s, to name a few.
On-field earnings: US$36 million | Off-field earnings: US$4 million
Ever since Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City, there’s been one man running the show and pulling the strings from the heart of the action. Kevin De Bruyne has been the epitome of consistency for the blue half of Manchester, winning five league titles and currently on track for a historic treble.
Thus, it’s no surprise that the Belgian talisman is one of the highest earners at Man City. Although Erling Haaland has overtaken him in terms of on-field earnings, De Bruyne has still raked in a reported US$36 million this year.
In terms of off-field earnings, De Bruyne makes his earnings from his endorsement deals with Nike, McDonald’s and Veo Technologies.
On-field earnings: US$40 million | Off-field earnings: US$12 million
The 22-year-old Norwegian is on course to make a claim for his very first Ballon d’Or if Manchester City manage to win the historic treble they’re currently on for. Such has been Erling Haaland’s impact on an already star-studded Sky Blues lineup.
The former Borussia Dortmund forward joined the Cityzens as their second-highest earner, with a reported base salary of £375,000-a-week, only last summer. After 50-odd goals, some outrageous assists, and breaking the all-time Premier League record for goals in a single season, Haaland has raked in this year a reported US$40 million including bonuses for his on-pitch performances.
Haaland’s mercurial performances have translated into fruitful associations with numerous brands. He is already endorsing brands like Nike, Samsung, Breitling and Viaplay, while he also holds a share in California-based startup Hyperice. These off-field associations have brought him a reported US$12 million this year.
Also Read: Erling Haaland: Salary | Endorsements | Investments | Charity Work
On-field earnings: US$35 million | Off-field earnings: US$18 million
There was a lot of debate about whether Liverpool should have given Mo Salah the big salary hike that many believed a certain Sadio Mané deserved instead. But, despite Liverpool’s fall from grace this season, the 30-year-old Egyptian has produced 30 goals and 15 assists in 50 games this season thus far, proving his worth.
With a base pay of £350-000-a-week, Salah is Liverpool’s highest earner, but taking into account the performance-related bonuses, the two-time African Footballer of the Year has amassed a reported US$35 million in on-field earnings this year.
Salah also has in place endorsement deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi, Gucci and Vodafone, among other, which bring him an additional US$18 million in off-field earnings.
On-field earnings: US$50 million | Off-field earnings: US$35 million
The Brazil international has always divided opinions wherever he’s gone. When Neymar signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a world record fee, there was a lot of anticipation regarding what the flamboyant Brazilian would bring to the table, but with one injury after the other, his consistent inconsistency (mostly, unavailability) has started to become a thorn in the eyes of many at the club.
That said, Neymar remains a high earner at the Parisian club, having raked in a reported US$50 million in on-field earnings this year.
One of the reasons why PSG might still look to keep hold of Neymar is because of the social influence he brings to the table. The 31-year-old has endorsement deals with over 20 brands, which have brought him a reported US$35 million in off-field earnings this year.
On-field earnings: US$100 million | Off-field earnings: US$20 million
Imagine getting on a phone call with the president of your country, with him asking you to stay at your current club — that’s the story of Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé. The 23-year-old Frenchman was headed for the exit door last summer, en route to the Spanish capital to play for Real Madrid. However, it took external forces for PSG to keep hold of their marquee player.
“What’s the price for such a deal,” you ask? Well, it’s reportedly US$100 million a year.
The 2018 World Cup winner, who almost single-handedly won another World Cup for his country last winter, also has a few notable names in his sponsorship kitty. Mbappé has ties with the likes of Nike, EA Sports, Hublot, Oakley and Sorare, which raked him a reported US$20 million in off-field earnings this year.
On-field earnings: US$65 million | Off-field earnings: US$65 million
The little magician has finally conquered the world, and it is a fitting end to the career of a player who might go down in history as the greatest player ever to walk this earth.
However, despite all the international glory, with another league title wrapped up domestically, Messi fell just short of his old pal Cristiano Ronaldo in earnings this year.
The PSG #30 raked in a reported US$65 million from his club, including bonuses, while another US$65 million came in the form of off-field earnings via the 20-odd endorsement deals he currently has in place. His lifetime-sponsorship deal with Adidas alone bags him nearly one-third of his total off-field earnings.
On-field earnings: US$46 million | Off-field earnings: US$90 million
Following a tumultuous end to his second stint at Old Trafford, 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo found his new home in the Middle East with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Although the five-time Ballon d’Or winner might be nearing the final days of his professional career, his reported US$46m-a-year salary and a massive signing-on fee, along with his off-pitch deals, have taken his overall earnings for this year to US$136 million.
Ronaldo boasts a healthy line of long-term endorsement deals, which includes the likes of Herbalife, Nike, DAZN, TAG Heuer and Clear, to name a few, which only add to his ever-growing off-field earnings. He also has a steady stream of revenue flowing from the multiple investments he has made in hotels, footwear and casual collections, and different startups.
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