Ronaldo Leads Football Salary Rankings as Messi Drops to Thirteenth Spot

Cristiano RonaldoPlayer·Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his status as the world's highest-paid footballer by weekly base salary, according to recent figures compiled by Capology and cited by Planet Football. The Portuguese forward commands an estimated £3.42 million per week at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, placing him comfortably ahead of his peers.

This financial landscape underscores the growing influence of Saudi Arabian football, with six players from the Saudi Pro League featuring among the 15 highest-paid stars globally. Karim Benzema, the striker for Al-IttihadTeam·Al-Ittihad, is a prime example, ranking second with a reported weekly earning of £2.01 million.

Lionel MessiPlayer·Lionel Messi, who was absent from the previous edition of these rankings, returns to the list in 13th place. Following his move to Inter Miami, the Argentine maestro reportedly earns £360,876 per week. While his weekly base salary places him lower on this specific list, Forbes estimates his total annual earnings for the 2025-26 season at approximately US$130 million, a figure significantly bolstered by off-field ventures and a joint venture with Apple TV and MLS.

Ronaldo's financial dominance extends beyond his base salary; Forbes reports his total earnings for the 2025-26 season at an astounding US$280 million, marking his sixth time topping their comprehensive list in the last decade. This sum includes an estimated $230 million from his Al-Nassr contract and an additional $50 million from endorsements.

Other prominent names feature in the top echelons of weekly base salaries. Erling HaalandPlayer·Erling Haaland of Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City leads the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League earners with £525,000 per week. Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé ranks sixth globally at £512,992, while his teammate Vinícius JúniorPlayer·Vinícius Júnior shares ninth place with Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich's Harry KanePlayer·Harry Kane, both earning £410,393 weekly.

The comprehensive list of the top 15 highest-paid footballers by weekly base salary also includes Sadio Mané (£656,629), Kalidou Koulibaly (£569,626), Sergej Milinković-Savić (£418,765), Ivan ToneyPlayer·Ivan Toney (£418,765), Jamal MusialaPlayer·Jamal Musiala (£374,771), Darwin NúñezPlayer·Darwin Núñez (£368,533), Virgil van DijkPlayer·Virgil van Dijk (£350,000), and Rúben Neves (£343,417).

It is important to note that these figures are based on estimated base wages and do not encompass performance bonuses, signing-on fees, image rights, or commercial endorsement deals, which can significantly augment a player's overall income.