Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has once again claimed the top spot among the world’s highest-paid footballers based on weekly base salary, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s biggest earners.
According to the latest global salary rankings compiled from players’ contractual base wages, Ronaldo earns an astonishing £3.42 million per week at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, placing him comfortably ahead of every other footballer in the world.
The ranking also produced one of its biggest surprises, with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi dropping to 13th position. Despite remaining among football’s wealthiest players through endorsements and commercial partnerships, Messi’s guaranteed weekly salary at Major League Soccer club Inter Miami is considerably lower than several players currently competing in Saudi Arabia and Europe’s elite leagues.
The latest figures highlight how football’s financial landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, particularly following the rapid rise of the Saudi Pro League, whose clubs have invested billions of pounds to attract some of the biggest names in world football.
Ronaldo remains football’s highest earner
Ronaldo’s reported weekly salary of £3.42 million reflects the lucrative contract he signed with Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United in late 2022.
His deal is widely regarded as one of the richest in sporting history and includes salary, commercial rights and ambassadorial responsibilities linked to Saudi Arabia’s long-term football ambitions.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to justify his commercial value both on and off the pitch.
Beyond scoring goals, Ronaldo has helped transform the global profile of Saudi football, attracting record television audiences, sponsorship agreements and increased international attention.
His arrival also paved the way for several other elite players to move to the Middle East.
Messi slips outside the top 10
Lionel Messi’s position at 13th in the weekly salary rankings reflects the structure of his contract with Inter Miami rather than his overall earnings.
Although his guaranteed salary is lower than many rivals, Messi continues to generate enormous income through sponsorship deals, revenue-sharing agreements, Adidas, Apple, and other commercial partnerships.
Financial experts note that when endorsements and business interests are included, Messi remains among the richest athletes in the world.
However, the latest ranking focuses solely on weekly base salary, explaining why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner trails several players earning significantly larger wages from their clubs.
Saudi clubs dominate the rankings
One of the clearest trends in the latest list is the growing financial power of Saudi Arabian clubs.
Since launching an aggressive recruitment drive, teams in the Saudi Pro League have signed numerous world-class footballers with contracts that dwarf many offered across Europe.
The strategy is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 programme aimed at developing sports, tourism and international investment.
Players who moved to Saudi Arabia have generally seen substantial increases in their earnings, making the league one of the most financially rewarding destinations in world football.
European giants still feature prominently
Despite Saudi Arabia’s financial muscle, several players from Europe’s leading clubs remain among the world’s best-paid footballers.
Elite stars representing clubs in the English Premier League, Spain, France and Germany continue to command enormous salaries due to their sporting importance and commercial value.
Top European clubs remain competitive by offering attractive wages alongside opportunities to compete in the UEFA Champions League and other prestigious tournaments.
Weekly salary ranking (Base Salary)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – £3.42 million
- Karim Benzema
- Neymar Jr.
- Riyad Mahrez
- Sadio Mane
- Kalidou Koulibaly
- N’Golo Kante
- Harry Kane
- Kylian Mbappe
- Robert Lewandowski
- Erling Haaland
- Vinicius Junior
- Lionel Messi
The ranking reflects reported weekly base salaries and does not include bonuses, sponsorship income or commercial endorsements.
Changing economics of football
The latest salary figures underline the changing balance of financial power in world football.
For decades, Europe’s traditional giants dominated player wages. Today, the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a major football investor has reshaped the transfer market and salary expectations.
Several players nearing the latter stages of their careers have accepted lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, while younger stars continue to weigh financial incentives against the opportunity to compete at Europe’s highest level.
Industry analysts believe competition for elite talent will remain intense as leagues around the world seek to strengthen their global appeal.
Salary is only part of the picture
While Ronaldo leads the weekly wage rankings, football finance experts stress that base salary represents only one component of a player’s total earnings.
Many elite footballers earn hundreds of millions of pounds from:
- Endorsement contracts
- Image rights
- Sponsorship deals
- Social media partnerships
- Investments
- Business ventures
For instance, both Ronaldo and Messi have built global brands extending far beyond football, with partnerships involving sportswear companies, luxury brands, hotels and technology firms.
These commercial activities significantly increase their annual income beyond club wages.
Ronaldo’s enduring influence
At 41, Ronaldo continues to demonstrate remarkable longevity, maintaining impressive scoring records while serving as one of football’s most recognisable ambassadors.
His move to Saudi Arabia has not diminished his popularity. Instead, it has helped elevate the profile of the Saudi Pro League and inspired other international stars to consider similar moves.
Messi, meanwhile, has played a transformative role in American soccer since joining Inter Miami, boosting MLS attendance, merchandise sales and global television audiences.
Although he ranks lower in weekly salary, his influence on the sport remains immense.
As football’s financial landscape continues to evolve, player earnings are expected to remain a major talking point, particularly as emerging leagues challenge Europe’s long-standing dominance in attracting the world’s biggest stars.
Sources
- Capology (football salary database)
- GiveMeSport
- SPORTbible
- Forbes
- Transfermarkt
