Bullshit! 40-year-old Ronaldo’s annual income of $280 million ranks No. 1 in football: Messi is less than half that, Neymar’s decline

The 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has long been no longer the number one player in world football, but his earning power is still the biggest in football, and no one can shake his status. Yesterday, the American Forbes magazine announced the top 10 most profitable players of the year, and Cristiano Ronaldo ranked first without any doubt.

According to statistics, Ronaldo earned a total of US$280 million in 2025. Among them, his on-court income was US$230 million and off-court income was US$50 million. After winning in Riyadh, Ronaldo's annual salary is as high as 200 million euros ($230 million), the highest in sports.

Previously, Ronaldo had just completed a contract extension with Riyadh Victory. His contract will not end until 2027, when he will be 42 years old. Since joining Riyadh Victory, Ronaldo has played 117 times and scored 104 goals. His performance is worthy of this salary.

The 38-year-old Messi’s income in 2025 will be US$130 million, less than half of Ronaldo’s. Messi's on-field income is US$60 million and off-field income is US$70 million. Messi also received a high-paying invitation from Saudi Arabia, but he refused. Messi values ​​enjoying life more than making money.

Benzema, Mbappe, and Harland are ranked 3-5 respectively. Their income this year is US$104 million, US$95 million, and US$80 million respectively. In this list, Neymar's ranking has declined the most. Last year, he was able to earn US$110 million in income, including the US$80 million annual salary offered to him by Riyadh Crescent.

In January this year, Neymar left Saudi Arabia and joined Santos in Brazil. His income this season is US$38 million.

Attachment: Top 10 highest-paid players in football in 2025

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (40 years old) US$280 million

2. Messi (38 years old) US$130 million

3. Benzema (37 years old) US$104 million

4. Mbappe (26 years old) 95 million US dollars

5. Harland (25 years old) 80 million US dollars

6. Vinicius (25 years old) 60 million US dollars

7. Salah (33 years old) 55 million US dollars

8. Mane (33 years old) 54 million US dollars

9. Bellingham (22 years old) $44 million

10. Yamal (18 years old) $43 million