The world of football has been dominated on and off the pitch for 15 years by two world icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. This rivalry has been profitable for the two stars, who have both made over $ 1 billion in earnings during their massive careers.
With Messi and Ronaldo nearing the end of their careers, a new star has emerged to write a new page in the world’s most popular sport. Kylian Mbappé is the highest paid footballer in the world after signing an unprecedented contract extension this year that is expected to bring him at least $ 125 million in revenue (salary and sponsors) during the 2022/2023 season.
Read more: Kylian Mbappé: career, salary, ambitions
Analysis of the ranking of the highest paid players in the world
PSG forward Kylian Mbappé managed to overtake Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United / Portugal) and Lionel Messi (PSG / Argentina). According to the data of the specialized site Sporty, Kylian Mbappé is expected to receive the sum of $ 125 million (about 124.8 million euros), for the 2022-2023 season. This sum consists mainly of his salary, equal to 105 million dollars (104.8 million euros). It is then supplemented by the earnings of its sponsors, estimated at 20 million dollars (19.9 million euros).
In second place, Cristiano Ronaldo’s income is estimated at $ 113 million (€ 112.8 million) for the 2022/2023 season. Unlike the French, most of his salary comes from sponsors (60 million dollars, or about 59.9 million euros). The third and fourth players on the table are both Paris Saint-Germain players. These are Lionel Messi and Neymar, who should receive respectively 110 (109.8) and 91 million dollars (90.8 million euros). For the rest of the list, the incomes are much lower.
The Liverpool forward and the Egyptian selection, Mohamed Salah, is expected to receive 39.5 million dollars (39.4 million euros) of revenues this season. Eden Hazard follows, which should collect 31.3 million (31.2 million euros). At 38, Andrés Iniesta’s income is estimated at $ 30 million (€ 29.9 million) even after he left Europe for the Japanese championship.
Arriving at Chelsea last summer, Raheem Sterling is expected to receive the figure of 29.4 million (29.3 million euros). Behind him is Cytizen Kevin de Bruyne, whose earnings are estimated at $ 29 million (€ 28.9 million).
To close this ranking we find a second Frenchman. Despite his low playing time at Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann’s earnings are estimated at $ 27.5 million (or approximately € 27.4 million).
On salaries, the podium is made up of the PSG trio, with 105 million dollars for Mbappé, 62 for Messi and 56 for Neymar. Ronaldo is “only” at 53 million.
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Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world
| Sound | Player | Club | Total revenue | Wages | Income relating to sponsors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappé | PSG | $ 125 million | $ 105 million | $ 20 million |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United | $ 113 million | $ 53 million | $ 60 million |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | PSG | $ 110 million | $ 62 million | $ 48 million |
| 4 | Neymar Jr. | PSG | $ 91 million | $ 56 million | $ 35 million |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool FC | $ 39.5 million | $ 24.5 million | $ 15 million |
| 6 | Danger of Eden | real Madrid | $ 31.3 million | $ 28.6 million | $ 2.7 million |
| 7 | Andres Iniesta | Kobe fish | $ 30 million | $ 23 million | $ 7 million |
| 8 | Raheem Sterling | Chelsea FC | $ 29.4 million | $ 21.4 million | $ 8 million |
| 9 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | $ 29 million | $ 25.5 million | $ 3.5 million |
| 10 | Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid | $ 27.5 million | $ 22 million | $ 5.5 million |
Read more: Football: the 10 most expensive players in the world in 2022
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