6 of the richest football stars in 2023 – net worths, ranked: from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Louis Vuitton and Nike millions, to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF deal and Neymar’s FC contract with a mansion

Dec 5 , 2023

Football’s top earners in 2023: Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Photos: @leomessi, @neymarjr, @k.mbappe/Instagram

Talented on the pitch and rewarded in their bank accounts: the richest football stars in 2023 have not only ensured that they cash in with their clubs, but also from endorsement deals, like other top athletes. And you can bet big brands are willing to dish out when it comes to these megastars.

From lifetime contracts to millions in the bank, here’s how these football stars, from Lionel Messi who won his eighth Ballon d’Or award, to Manchester City’s prolific scorer Erling Haaland, are earning.

6. Erling Haaland: US$58 million

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has a career deal with Nike. Photo: @erling.haaland/Instagram

The Norwegian superstar scored 52 goals in competitions last season, breaking the record for a Premier League player. His success has attracted competition, prompting Manchester City to reopen contract talks, reports Forbes.

Erling Haaland’s on-field deals are estimated to be around US$46 million, while his off-field earnings amount to around US$12 million. He has a deal with Nike and was on the cover of the EA Sports FC 2024 video game. According to The Telegraph, Haaland signed a deal with Nike to be his boot manufacturer for the rest of his career. The 10-year-plus contract has been viewed as likely to be the most lucrative in the history of football.

The superstar striker also signed deals with Breitling, has equity in Hyperice, and partnered with streaming service Viaplay to make a documentary on his move to City called Haaland: The Big Decision.

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5. Karim Benzema: US$106 million

Karim Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia. Photo: @karimbenzema/Instagram

Striker Karim Benzema followed in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps by moving to Saudi Arabia, joining Al Ittihad Club. He said the decision was motivated by wanting to be in a country “where I feel people are already like me”, per Forbes.

His on-field earnings come to around US$100 million, while his off-field earnings come in at around US$6 million. His sponsors include the likes of Adidas, Hyundai and EA Sports. His contribution to football has not only earned him the respect of his peers but also the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2022.

4. Kylian Mbappé: US$110 million

Kylian Mbappé’s future with Paris Saint-Germain isn’t yet written in stone. Photo: @k.mbappe/Instagram

The French captain and Paris Saint-Germain forward’s estimated total earnings of US$110 million make him the fourth richest football player on our list in 2023. While Kylian Mbappé’s future may remain uncertain for now (there are recent reports that he might be moving teams), his endorsement deals with the likes of Nike, Hublot and Sorare, per Clutchpoints, have boosted his off-field earnings.

3. Neymar: US$112 million

Neymar’s deal with a Saudi Arabian club included a fleet of luxury cars and a private jet. Photo: @neymarjr/Instagram

The Brazilian forward’s sponsors, who include Puma, Konami and Red Bull, have added an estimated US$32 million to his off-field earnings. Neymar ranks third on our rich list after signing for Al Hilal SFC in the Saudi Pro League in August.

His on-field earnings are estimated to be around US$80 million, per Forbes. Neymar even reportedly received a mansion complete with staff, a fleet of luxury cars, and access to a private jet as part of his deal with Al Hilal SFC.

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2. Lionel Messi: US$135 million

Lionel Messi’s move to a US club Inter Miami has benefited both. Photo: @leomessi/Instagram

The GOAT’s on-field earnings are estimated to be US$65 million, but off-field he has pulled in an estimated US$70 million. Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami CF has seen record fan interest, resulting in revenue shooting up for the club, reported ESPN. According to Sportico, the Argentinian World Cup winner’s endorsement deals with Adidas, Mastercard, Pepsi and Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Authority remain a staple in his cash-earning ability.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo: US$260 million

Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest earning athlete. Photo: @cristiano/Instagram

Not only did Cristiano Ronaldo top the list of the highest-paid footballers in 2023, but he’s also the highest paid athlete in any sport, according to Forbes. The iconic football player’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC is believed to be around US$200 million. Throw in his endorsement portfolio that includes the likes of Nike, Tag Heuer, Louis Vuitton and Jacob and Co, which is estimated to bring in around US$60 million annually, and Ronaldo continues to dominate the richest list. His deal with Al-Nassr is believed to also include financial incentives from commercial agreements arranged by the club, reports Forbes. These agreements will add to his growing wealth portfolio.

Millionaires and billionaires

French star Kylian Mbappé may or may not remain with Paris Saint-Germain, but his endorsements with Nike, Hublot and Sorare keep the money coming in
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC signing earned him around US$200 million – that and his big-brand endorsement portfolio takes him to the top