Ronaldo Tops World’s Highest-Paid Footballers Again as Messi Slips to 13th

Cristiano Ronaldo has retained his position as the highest-paid footballer in the world by weekly base salary, while long-time rival Lionel Messi ranks 13th in the latest global earnings list.

Salary figures compiled by Capology and cited by Planet Football show Ronaldo earning an estimated £3.42 million per week at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, placing him well ahead of Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, who reportedly earns £2.01 million weekly.

The latest rankings underscore the financial muscle of the Saudi Pro League, with six players from the competition featuring among the world’s 15 highest-paid footballers.

According to the report, Ronaldo remains unmatched in weekly earnings.

“Cristiano Ronaldo still ranks as the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League and world football, earning a whopping £3.4 million per week with Al-Nassr,” the report stated.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the Premier League’s highest-paid player, earning a weekly base salary of £525,000. Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé sits sixth with £512,992 per week, while Vinícius Júnior and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane are joint ninth, each receiving £410,393 weekly.

Messi, who was absent from the previous edition of the rankings, returns in 13th place following his move to Inter Miami, where he reportedly earns £360,876 per week.

The top 15 also features Jamal Musiala, Darwin Núñez, Virgil van Dijk and Rúben Neves.

The rankings are based solely on estimated weekly base salaries and exclude bonuses, signing-on fees, image rights, and commercial endorsement income.

Top 15 Highest-Paid Footballers by Weekly Base Salary