Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-earning football player in 2023 since he joined Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Pro League playing for Al Nassr early last year. It’s no surprise that players playing football in Saudi Arabia dominate the Top 10, the list also includes Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.

Even though Lionel Messi has said goodbye to European football, he still pocketed a huge amount of money while playing for American Inter Miami. Kylian Mbappe continues to be well-rewarded by PSG and his salary has increased even more as he is becoming the main topic in the transfer battle between PSG and Real Madrid this summer.

Real Madrid and Barcelona do not have a single player in the Top 10. It emphasizes the new approach of La Liga’s two biggest clubs, in the context offinancial difficulties and they are putting money into upgrading the Camp Nou and Bernabeu stadiums.

Now, let’s take a look at the Top 10 highest-paid players in the world in 2023:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $260m (£204.9m)

The Portuguese star has been persuaded by Saudi Arabia’s wealthy since he left Manchester United. By playing a key role in the Saudi Arabia football development project and being the player who started the wave of superstars joining the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has been “rewarded” financially.

Ronaldo has helped Saudi Arabia promote the country through sports activities. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also continues to earn a lot of money thanks to his Instagram posts, as well as advertising for Herbalife.

2. Lionel Messi – $135 million (£106.4 million)

The World Cup winner is the only player on the list who earns more money off the field. Messi mania has reached Florida and David Beckham knows very well how the Argentine will attract audiences in the US, after bringing him to Inter Miami to promote the development of MLS.

Messi admitted he moved to a “poorer league” but in terms of finances and position, it was a smart decision by M10. The Athletic (UK) reported that by signing a contract with Inter Miami, Messi will receive revenue shares from Apple and Adidas. Messi also pocketed large sums of money from the Apple TV channel, which released a documentary about Messi right after he arrived at Inter Miami.

3. Neymar – $112 million (£88.2 million)

PSG used to pay Neymar a very high salary, but the Brazilian superstar did not have a full career at the Ligue 1 champion. Many people thought that Neymar left Europe too early, wasting his talent, but Neymar chose to follow. Ronaldo’s foot and he is currently playing for Al Hilal.

Neymar is seriously injured and will be out for the rest of the season, but Al Hilal is leading the Saudi Pro League rankings. Off the field, Neymar cooperates with Puma, Konami and Red Bull. More recently, the Brazilian striker announced a partnership with… Portuguese horse breeding farm Team Campline.

4. Kylian Mbappe – $110 million (£86.7 million)

Kylian Mbappe is the highest-earning player in Europe when he extends his contract with PSG in 2022. Mbappe received a huge signing bonus to stay at PSG until this summer. Mbappe’s power also increased when PSG confirmed he was the leader in the club’s new project. Mbappe is still the most powerful name in French sports.

5. Karim Benzema – $106 million (£83.5 million)

It was a shock when the French striker decided to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia, but Benzema is one of many superstars who could not resist the attraction of the Saudi Pro League. Benzema is currently playing for Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad. However, Benzema did not meet expectations and there was much information showing that he was no longer interested in staying at Al Ittihad.

In June last year, Benzema shared about his decision to leave Europe to play football in Asia: “That’s where I want to go, because it’s important for me to be in a Muslim country, where I feel everything is right.” people like me. It will allow me to have a new life and I can’t wait to live there.”

6. Erling Haaland – $58 million (£45.7 million)

Haaland won the treble in his first season with Manchester City, breaking many scoring records , and his salary reflected that excellence. Haaland and Mbappe are considered the two hottest superstars in football, but he earns significantly less than PSG players.

Man City is ready to renegotiate a new agreement with the desire to maintain Haaland’s services for a long time. Off the field, Haaland’s reputation is increasing. The Norwegian has a lucrative contract with Nike and appears on the cover of the EA Sports FC 2024 video game.

7. Mo Salah – $53m (£41.7m)

Saudi Arabia was willing to pay huge sums of money to buy Mo Salah from Liverpool last summer. Ultimately, Salah remains at the Kop this season, but a move to the Middle East could happen in the coming years.

Salah is an iconic player for Muslims. The contract with Adidas is bringing him quite a large sum of money. Salah appeared in magazines such as GQ and Time, which listed Salah as one of the most influential people in the world.

8. Sadio Mane – $52 million (£40.9 million)

Mane left Bayern Munich and went to Al Nassr to partner Ronaldo. Mane only earns about 1/5 of Ronaldo’s salary, but that amount is still enough to make him one of the highest earners in the world in 2023. Two years ago Mane also signed a contract extension with the company. New Balance. The Senegalese star is an icon in his country. Mane is famous for his charity work, pouring huge amounts of money into improving infrastructure in his native Senegal.

9. Kevin De Bruyne – $39 million (£30.7 million)

As the team with the best record in the Premier League in recent years, Man City has paid a worthy salary for Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliance. Off the field, De Bruyne is not a big name that attracts brands. Therefore, most of De Bruyne’s income comes from his basic salary at Man City. In March last year, De Bruyne signed a contract with McDonald’s.

10. Harry Kane $36m (£28.3m)

Kane decided to leave his beloved Tottenham in search of titles when he joined Bayern Munich last summer. As one of the best strikers in the world today, Kane is paid a suitable salary by the German club. Kane has signed a four-year contract with Bayern Munich, which will make him one of the Bundesliga’s highest-earning players.

Harry Kane proved worthy of the money Bayern Munich invested in him when he scored many goals. Off the field, Kane signed a multi-year partnership with Fanatics, becoming the first British athlete to partner exclusively with Fanatics.