Football isn’t merely a game; it’s a global marvel attracting countless devotees worldwide. In addition, the dynamic environment of sport betting further bolsters its international charisma. Aficionados derive pleasure from forecasting the results of matches and player performances, introducing a new dimension of thrill to the sport.
Given the colossal popularity of football, it’s hardly surprising that football players have risen to become some of the world’s top earners among athletes. In 2023, a handful of these players are especially noteworthy for their sky-high earnings, both on-field and off-field. Let’s delve deeper into the world of the highest-earning footballers of 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Total earnings: USD 213 million
The Portuguese football legend is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous and successful athletes. Even at the age of 38, Ronaldo continues to dazzle with his skills and has scored over 800 goals throughout his career. In 2022, Forbes ranked him as the third-highest-paid athlete, with total earnings of USD 115 million.
Although his estimated earnings for the 2022-23 season were initially around USD 213 million, Ronaldo’s transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr at the start of 2023 and his ambassadorial role for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup could push his total earnings well beyond that figure. With his vast fan base and numerous endorsement deals, Ronaldo’s financial success shows no signs of slowing down.
Kylian Mbappé – Total earnings: USD 128 million
Mbappé is set to become the highest-paid footballer in the 2022-23 season. With estimated on-field earnings of USD 110 million and endorsement deals worth USD 18 million, Mbappé’s total earnings are projected to reach USD 128 million.
Known for his incredible speed and goal-scoring prowess, the young French striker has already achieved remarkable success in his young career. He won the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has been recognized as one of the finest attackers in the game. Brands like Dior, Nike, and Hublot have recognized his star power and signed lucrative endorsement contracts with him.
Lionel Messi – Total earnings: USD 120 million
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi is another top pick in the sports betting world. The Argentine superstar recently won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, solidifying his status as an all-time great. Messi’s success on the field is matched by his financial achievements. He topped Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2022, with total earnings of USD 130 million.
In the 2022-23 season, Messi is expected to earn around USD 120 million, with USD 65 million coming from his salary at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and another USD 55 million from lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas, Budweiser, and Pepsi.
Neymar Jr. – Total earnings: USD 87 million
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian forward, made headlines in 2017 when he became the most expensive player in football history after his transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for USD 263 million. Forbes ranked him as the fourth-highest-paid athlete in 2022, with earnings of USD 70 million from salary and bonuses and an additional USD 25 million from endorsements.
In the 2022-23 season, Neymar is expected to earn USD 55 million from his on-field activities and around USD 32 million from endorsements with brands like Puma and Red Bull.
Mohamed Salah – Total earnings: USD 53 million
Salah, the Egyptian forward who plays for Liverpool in the Premier League, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers. Salah has achieved great success both at the club level and on the international stage.
In the 2022-23 season, Salah is set to earn USD 35 million from his on-field salary, thanks to his new three-year contract with Liverpool. His off-field earnings, estimated at USD 18 million, are boosted by his endorsement deals with Adidas and his positive image as a unifying force across cultures.
Erling Haaland – Total earnings: USD 39 million
Haaland has taken the football world by storm with his exceptional goal-scoring abilities. With impressive performances for clubs like Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has earned a reputation for being one of the most promising talents in the sport.
Haaland will earn USD 35 million from his 2022-23 on-field salary, while his off-field earnings are estimated to be around USD 4 million, with the potential for a significant increase through a new shoe brand endorsement deal.
Robert Lewandowski – Total earnings: USD 35 million
The esteemed Polish forward has carved out a reputation as a top-notch goal scorer on the global stage. Lewandowski’s illustrious career has been marked by outstanding accomplishments with teams such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, which includes several Bundesliga championship victories and the smashing of many records.
Lewandowski’s on-field remuneration is anticipated to be approximately USD 27 million this season, while his earnings off the field, encompassing promotional contracts and entrepreneurial endeavors, are predicted to be close to USD 8 million.
Conclusion
These footballers represent the pinnacle of success both on and off the field. Their immense talent, marketability, and endorsement deals have catapulted them into the highest-earning athletes worldwide. As football’s popularity continues to grow, we can expect to see even more astronomical earnings from the sport’s biggest stars in the coming years.