After several years, Lionel Messi is still the highest-paid soccer player in 2024. Forbes reports that his $75 million on-field salary and $60 million endorsement revenue total $135 million. Rejoining Inter Miami of MLS this year revived his career and increased his wealth. Messi is still the most famous, and Adidas, Budweiser, and others have endorsed him.
Second, Cristiano Ronaldo maintains his high earnings. The Portuguese star earned $110 million at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, $75 million from pay and $35 million from endorsements. Ronaldo’s influence and appeal still get him huge deals later in his career.
Famous player Kylian Mbappé placed third with $101 million. His rapid rise to popularity in the sport has made him one of the most marketable players off the pitch. After Al Hilal and endorsement deals, Neymar rounds out the top five with $87 million.
Large contracts in leagues like MLS and the Saudi Pro League reordered player salaries in 2024, showing professional soccer players’ financial advantages and the sport’s split. These athletes’ wealth boosts soccer’s global appeal by emphasizing their importance off the pitch.
