Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has become the first 18-year-old footballer in 22 years to make Forbes’ list of the top 10 highest-paid players in the world.
The Spanish international, who recently signed a 10-year contract with Barcelona, has expected earnings of $43 million, marking a historic milestone in his young career.
However, Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world’s highest-paid player, with a projected $280 million in total earnings for the coming year, before taxes and agents’ fees.
Forbes’ 2025 ranking reflects on-field income, including salaries, bonuses, and club-based image rights deals.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers (Forbes 2025):
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Cristiano Ronaldo – $280m
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Lionel Messi – $130m
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Karim Benzema – $104m
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Kylian Mbappé – $95m
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Erling Haaland – $80m
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Vinícius Júnior – $60m
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Mohamed Salah – $55m
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Sadio Mané – $54m
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Jude Bellingham – $44m
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Lamine Yamal – $43m
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