Ronaldo outshines Messi in Forbes 2024 football rich list

Can you identify the world’s highest-paid footballers of 2024? Chances are you guessed Ronaldo and Messi. But did you know Ronaldo, football’s first billionaire in 2020, earned twice as much as Lionel Messi this year? Let’s look at the other startling statistics from Forbes’ highest-paid soccer players this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s millions and global influence are unmatched

CR7 pulled in a remarkable $285 million in the last 12 months, easily making him the highest-paid footballer in the world. Nearly 80% of the eye-watering sum is his salary paid by his Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The remaining 20% comes off-field in the form of endorsements. Having an army of 1 billion social media followers across all platforms is an incredible reach.

The GOAT broke YouTube records last August when he opened up his channel “UR Cristiano,” garnering one million followers in just 90 minutes. As of October, the account stands at 65 million, with 59 videos capturing over 544 million views.

Ronaldo’s contract expires next summer, but the player will most likely extend his deal in the Middle East. After all, his wife likes it, and he’s on a mission to score 1,000 career goals and win the World Cup. He also just invested millions in a new hotel expansion in the Red Sea.

Rumors are circulating, however, that Ronaldo could become Wrexham’s new star next season. Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney would have to leave everything on the table to bring the 40-year-old Portuguese legend to their ranks.

Forbes’ second-highest earner, Messi, banks $135 Million

While Ronaldo is the highest-paid footballer and biggest influencer in the world, Messi also knows how to clean up.

The World Cup winner earned $60 million this year as Inter Miami’s record goal-scorer and another $75 million through off-field partnerships. Messi is also second to Ronaldo in clout, with 504 million followers across social networks. Whether the number 10 starts a YouTube channel to rival Ronaldo remains to be seen.

Who else ranks among the world’s highest-paid footballers?

Not surprisingly, Neymar and Karim Benzema broke into the top four of the world’s best-paid footballers. The veterans signed lucrative deals with Saudi Pro League sides last year, although Neymar has only played five games due to injury. The Brazilian ace returned to the pitch on Monday while also being linked with a sensational move to reunite the “MSN” crew in Miami next summer.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate Sadio Mane also makes the exclusive list, along with Mo Salah and Kevin De Bruyne. The latter Premier League stars are likely headed to Saudi Arabia next season, doubling their on-field salaries. Expect all three to remain on this list for 2025.

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr. are the only La Liga players in the top 10. But Erling Haaland’s $60 million take-home bag is tipped to keep ballooning. The Norwegian goal machine is heavily linked with a move to Barcelona this summer or in 2026. His forthcoming endorsement deals could also see him break into Forbes’s top spot in the next few years.

Forbes World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2024