Top 20 Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2023–2024
Soccer, also known as football outside North America, is a global phenomenon beloved by billions, and these 20 highest-paid soccer players are a big reason why.
Their skills and dedication, as well as their influence off the pitch, have not only brought them lucrative salaries but also made them a lot of money in endorsement contracts.
In this guide, we explore the 20 highest-paid soccer players anduncover the bonusesthat come with being the frontmen of one of the most popular sports in history.
Many of these players have set the bar for success both on and off the field and are a testament to the power of soccer. Let's learn more about them.
Top 20 Highest Paid Soccer Players 2023/2024These talented soccer players are well-compensated for their hard work and influence. Let's dive into their earnings.
Like this infographic? Feel free to use it on your website or blog, but please remember to give us credit by linking back to https://techreport.com/statistics/top-20-highest-paid-soccer-playersNote that while Jordan Henderson's official earnings in Al Ettifaq in 2023 are within the range of other players in this article, there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the earnings, some even suggesting he hasn't been paid yet. For that reason, we haven't included him in our list.
Rankings 20 to 1620. Kalidou KoulibalyEarnings, 2023: $21.7 million
We're kicking off with the talented captain of the Senegalese national team, Kalidou Koulibaly, who is also the first person in the Saudi Pro League on our list. The Al-Hilal center-back joined the club in the summer of 2023, for an undisclosed fee.
His reported 2023 salary was 20 million ($21.7 million). He has an endorsement deal with Puma, and his net worth is believed to be $40 million.
19. Manuel NeuerEarnings, 2023: $22.8 million
Number 19 on our list is Manuel Neuer, the captain of Bayern Munich and keeper for the German national team. He joined the Bundesliga club in 2011 in an 18 milliontransfer,and is set to stay there until June 2025.
Source: StatistaNeuer's estimated earnings for the 2023/2024 season are 21 million ($22.8 million). He has endorsement deals with various brands, including Mercedes Benz, Adidas, and Head & Shoulders. His net worth for 2024 is believed to be over $50 million.
18. Luka ModriEarnings, 2023: $23.7 million
The legendary Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modriis 18thin our ranking. The 38-year-old captain of the Croatian national team joined Real Madrid in 2012 for a fee of 30 million and is due to leave the club in June 2024.
As of 2023, Modri's reported salary was $23.7 million, making him the third-highest-paid Real Madrid player that year.
As well as his salary, Modri receives earnings from his endorsement deals with brands like Nike. His net worth is estimated to be $75 million.
17. David AlabaEarnings, 2023: $24 million
The second-highest earner in the Read Madrid team is Austrian center-back or left-back David Alaba. He's also the captain of the Austrian national soccer team and is the second-youngest player to ever play for them.
Alaba joined Real Madrid in 2021 for a 5-year contract in a transfer worth 20 million, with an annual salary of 22.5 million ($24 million). He also earns endorsements from HypoVereinsbank Dr. Dre, promoting the company's headphones.
As of 2024, Alaba's net worth is estimated to be approximately $20 million.
16. Toni KroosEarnings, 2023: $26 million
Number 16 on our list is the highest-paid Real Madrid player, Toni Kroos. The German midfielder joined the club almost ten years ago from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee. He's also on the German national squad, having come out of retirement for Euro 2024.
Source: StatistaKroos' annual salary in 2023 was 24.38 million ($26 million)- just $2 million less than his teammate David Alaba who's in the 17th spot. His net worth is believed to be $25 million.
Rankings 15 to 1115. OscarEarnings, 2023: $26 million
The Brazilian midfielder known as Oscaris the only player on this list to play in the Chinese Super League. He joined Shanghai Port from Chelsea in 2016 for a reported sum of 60 million. He's reported to earn around $26 million per year in the Chinese club, on par with Toni Kroos.
Oscar used to be a model for Calvin Klein and also has an endorsement deal with Adidas. His reported net worth is believed to be $70 million.
14. N'Golo KanteEarnings, 2023: $26 million
Former Chelsea player, Frenchman N'Golo Kante takes the 14th spot.
In the summer of 2023, he joined the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for an undisclosed transfer fee, where he's set to earn approximately $108 millionover the four-year contract. That means that he's earning $26 million in the 2023/2024 season, similar to Oscar.
As of 2024, Kante's net worth amounts to approximately $45 million. He is reported to have an endorsement deal with Adidas.
13. Frenkie de JongEarnings, 2023: $27 million
Number 13 on our list is Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch central midfielder and Barcelona fourth captain is one of La Liga's highest-paid players. He joined the club in 2016 for a transfer fee of 75 million.
Despite some issues surrounding his salary, he's recently renewed his contract with Barcelona. The renewal came after de Jong had made 25 million($27 million) in 2023.
De Jong has an endorsement deal with Nike, which is financing part of his salary in the club. His net worth amounts to $20 million.
12. Kevin De BruyneEarnings, 2023: $35 million
Although he might be only number 12 on our list, Kevin de Bruyne, captain of Manchester City and the Belgian national team, is the highest-paid English Premier League (EPL) player in 2024. He joined Manchester City in 2015, and his transfer fee was75 million.
Source: StatistaIn 2023, De Bruyne's earnings reached$35 million. These earnings are made up of the midfielder's salary ($31 million)and endorsements from brands like McDonald's, Hublot and Nike ($4 million). As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $70 million.
11. Harry KaneEarnings, 2023: $36 million
England's national team captain, Harry Kane, who was the star of Tottenham FC until the 2023/2024 season, is now a striker for Bayern Munich. Kane's August transfer cost the Bundesliga club$110 million, and he earned$36 millionin 2023.
Kane has a lifetime deal with Sketchers for an undisclosed sum and other endorsements. According to various sources, his net worth in 2024 is $40 million.
Rankings 10 to 610. Robert LewandowskiEarnings, 2023: $36 million
Opening up our top ten is the Polish national team captain and Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski. He joined Barcelona in 2022 for a transfer fee of 45 million.
Source: StatistaThe 35-year-old striker made$36 million in 2023, which breaks down as follows:
- Salary: $24 million
- Endorsements: $12 million from brands like Opel, Nike, and Huawei
In total, the Polish striker's net worth amounts to $75 million.
9. Riyad MahrezEarnings, 2023: $36 million
In ninth place, is Riyad Mahrez, the captain of the Algerian national soccer team and the former Manchester City star. After five successful seasons at Manchester City, Mahrez was transferred to Al Ahli for a transfer fee of30 million, boosting his 2023 salary to $34 million.
Source: StatistaThe rest of his earnings that year ($2 million)came from endorsements from brands like Nike and Pepsi. So, his total earnings of $36 million tie with Lewandowski's.
Mahrez's net worth is estimated to be $25 million. He also has an app called RM26, which he uses to update his fans on his everyday life.
8. Sadio ManeEarnings, 2023: $38 million
One of the most prolific Saudi Pro League players,Sadio Mane, is number eight in our rating. Having joined Al Nassr in August 2023 for an undisclosed fee, the Senegalese forward earned$38 million in 2023 from his club and Senegal national team salary ($32 million) and endorsement deals ($6 million).
He has deals with New Balance, Nike, and Pepsi.
As of 2024, Mane has an estimated net worth of $30 million, according to Surprise Sports.
7. Mohammed SalahEarnings, 2023: $56 million
The third-highest-paid EPL player of the 2023/2024 season is the seventh-highest-paid soccer player overall. Liverpool star Mo Salah has an estimated net worth of over$90 millionin 2024. Having joined the club in 2017 for a fee of36.5 million, he's set dozens of records since.
Source: StatistaIn 2023, the captain of the Egyptian national soccer team made$56 million from his salary and endorsement contracts, including those with Adidas, Pepsi, and DHL. Salah is also a real estate investor.
6. Erling HaalandEarnings, 2023: $63 million
Norwegian national team and Manchester City star Erling Haalandgets the sixth spot on our list. He's one of the only two players (the other being Kane) who've scored against every EPL team they've ever faced.
Source: StatistaThe 23-year-old striker joined Manchester City in 2022 for a 60 million ($64 million) transfer fee.
In 2023, Haaland made $63 million, including $45 million in salary and $15 million in endorsements. The endorsements include a 2023 deal with Nike and a deal with TAG Heuer. As of 2024, Haaland's net worth is estimated to be $40 million.
Ratings 5 to 1Now, it's time for the top five highest-paid soccer players in 2023-24.
Like this infographic? Feel free to use it on your website or blog, but please remember to give us credit by linking back to https://techreport.com/statistics/top-20-highest-paid-soccer-players5. Karim BenzemaEarnings, 2023: $78 million
Opening up our top five highest-paid footballers is the French striker Karim Benzema. As the captain of Saudi's Al-Ittihad, he earned$78 million in 2023, consisting of$70 million in salary and $8 million in endorsements. There was no transfer fee.
Source: StatistaUnlike many other players on our list, Benzema retired from international football in 2022. He's a teammate of N'Golo Kante, both in Al-Ittihad and the French national team.
The striker is endorsed by brands like Adidas, Hyundai, and EA Sports. His net worth is estimated to be $70 million.
4. NeymarEarnings, 2023: $121 million
Another player who's found himself in a Saudi club is the Brazilian soccer legend and influencerNeymar, Jr. He is number four on our list.
Source: StatistaThe sixth-highest-paid athlete in the world plays for Al Hilal (as of August 2023), with a transfer fee of 92 million ($98 million). Neymar is also a member of Brazil's international squad. His teammate is Kalidou Koulibaly (20th on our list).
In 2023, Neymar earned $121 million, made up of a $86 million salary and $35 million in endorsements. He has endorsement contracts with Unilever, Volkswagen, and Nike.
As one of the most prolific and influential figures in soccer, it's no surprise Neymar earns such a high salary. His net worth in 2024 is estimated to be $250 million.
3. Kylian MbappeEarnings, 2023: $125 million
The French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who's due to leave PSG this summer to join Real Madrid is quickly making a name for himself. The 25-year-old captain of the French team is currently worth approximately $180 million, according to Give Me Sport.
Source: StatistaIn 2023, Mbappe became the fifth-highest-paid athlete in the world. He earned $125 million that year: $100 million on the pitch and $25 million from endorsements, which included contracts with brands such as Nike and Oakley.
2. Lionel MessiEarnings, 2023: $130 million
Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentinian national team and Inter Miami, is the third-highest-paid athlete in the world overall and the second-highest-paid soccer player on the planet.
Source: StatistaIn 2023, he earned $130 million, split equally between his club salary and endorsements. He has endorsements from brands like Gatorade, Pepsi, and Mastercard.
Messi might be the second-highest-paid soccer player, but he is reportedly the richest in the world. His net worth in 2024 is reported to be $650 million.
1. Cristiano RonaldoEarnings, 2023: $275 million
The player at the top of our list is not only very well-compensated but also the highest-paid athlete in 2023 and the third-highest-paid athlete of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Saudi Pro League's Al Nassr and the Portugal national team, earned a total of $275 million in 2023.
Source: StatistaThis impressive figure includes both his salary at the Saudi club ($215 million) and endorsements from brands like Nike and Binance (worth $60 million). He's the only athlete on this list to have made over $200 million. As of 2024, Ronaldo's net worth is reported to be $600 million- $50 million lower than Messi's.
Who Are The Highest-Paid Female Soccer Players in 2023-2024?Unfortunately, female soccer players in Europe aren't paid nearly as much as their male counterparts. In fact, many of the highest-paid women in soccer play for US teams.
Source: StatistaHere are the top five highest-paid female soccer players in 2023/2024:
- Alex Morgan of San Diego Wave FC
- Megan Rapinoe (retired)
- Alexia Putellas of Barcelona
- Trinity Rodman of Washington Sprint
- Crystal Dunn of Gotham FC
Read our article on the highest-paid women footballers in 2023/24 if you'd like to know more.
Concluding ThoughtsThese 20 exceptional male athletes have truly earned their high wages by setting high standards for the rest of the soccer community - both on and off the pitch.
Whether they choose to stay with their team for a decade or longer, like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, or try out different teams like Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo, they're certain to stun the public and bring in huge revenues to soccer.
In our upcoming articles, we'll examine athletes from other disciplines - both male and female. Stay tuned!
ReferencesClick to expand and view sources- 100 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World (Sportico)
- 50 Highest-Paid Athletes of All-Time (Sportico)
- World's Highest Paid Footballers in 2023 Revealed (Man of Many)
- Salary Kalidou Koulibaly (WageIndicator)
- N'Golo Kante's wages in Saudi Arabia compared to Cristiano Ronaldo & Karim Benzema (90m)
- Ex-Chelsea star Oscar's eye-watering salary he's earned in China since leaving Stamford Bridge (TalkSport)
- Cristiano Ronaldo net worth: Superstar is world's highest-paid athlete with incredible earnings and sponsorship deals (TalkSport)
- Jordan Henderson's new wages at Ajax as former Liverpool captain told he's messed up' (Liverpool)
- Toni Kroos: Real Madrid midfielder comes out of international retirement for Germany (BBC)
- Manuel Neuer Salary Profile (Capology)
- Highest paid soccer players from FC Barcelona in Spain in 2023/24, by annual salary (Statista)
- Number of titles won by Lionel Messi as of 2023 (Statista)
- Highest paid athletes worldwide in 2022/23, by earnings from salary and endorsements (Statista)
- Most expensive soccer transfers worldwide as of 2023 (Statista)
- All-time leading goal scorers of the men's national soccer team in Brazil as of February 2024 (Statista)
- Most valuable soccer players worldwide as of February 2024, by transfer value (Statista)
- Number of goals scored by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League from 2017/18 to 2023/24, by season (Statista)
- Highest-earning players in the Saudi Pro League in 2023, by annual salary (Statista)
- Number of appearances by Riyad Mahrez in the Premier League from 2014 to 2023 (Statista)
- Highest-earning players at FC Barcelona in 2023/24, by annual salary (Statista)
- Number of appearances by Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League from 2013 to 2023 (Statista)
- Highest-earning players at Real Madrid in 2023/24, by annual salary (Statista)
- Players who have won the Bundesliga the most times as of 2023 (Statista)
- Highest-paid female soccer players worldwide in 2023 (Statista)
- Barcelona offer new contract to Frenkie de Jong with major wage cut (Football Espana)
- Real Madrid Salaries & Contracts 2023-24: Vinicius, Modri, Bellingham & More (Boardroom)
- Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi in 2024: Who Has a Higher Net Worth & Rakes In a Bigger Salary? (Essentially Sports)
- Neymar Jr vs Karim Benzema: 2023 Net Worth, Salary at Al Hilal & Al-Ittihad Comparison (Essentially Sports)
- Erling Haaland (Essentially Sports)
- What Is Mohamed Salah's Net Worth in 2024? Liverpool Star's Salary, Endorsements, and Philanthropic Ventures Revealed (Essentially Sports)
- What Is Kevin De Bruyne's Net Worth in 2024? Manchester City Star's Salary, Endorsements & More Revealed (Essentially Sports)
- Lionel Messi Net Worth (Sportskeeda)
- Kylian Mbappe's net worth and salary in 2024 (Give Me Sport)
- Neymar net worth (2024): Current salary, sponsorship deals and business ventures (Give Me Sport)
- Sadio Mane Net Worth (2023): Salary, Endorsements, Cars And More (Give Me Sport)
- Robert Lewandowski net worth: What is the Barcelona star worth? (Give Me Sport)
- Kylian Mbappe: Paris St-Germain striker agrees to join Real Madrid in summer (BBC Sport)
- Oscar: Chelsea midfielder to join Shanghai SIPG in China for about 60m (BBC Sport)
- Luka Modric: Real Madrid sign midfielder from Tottenham (BBC Sport)
- Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City sign Wolfsburg midfielder (BBC Sport)
- Riyad Mahrez: Manchester City agree 30m deal for Al-Ahli to sign Algeria winger (BBC Sport)
- Erling Haaland: Manchester City agree to sign Norway striker from Borussia Dortmund for 51.2m (BBC Sport)
- Erling Haaland scores ten-year+' Nike deal (SP)
- Alaba renews endorsement ahead of Arsenal clash (SP)
- Erling Haaland sets another record! Man City superstar completes Premier League feat only previously accomplished by Harry Kane following Brentford winner (GOAL)
- Sadio Mane 2024: Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings (Surprise Sports)
- Frenkie de Jong 2024: Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings (Surprise Sports)
- N'Golo Kante Net Worth, Career Details, Earnings, and Wife (Surprise Sports)
- Toni Kroos 2024: Net Worth, Salary, Endorsement, Stats, Wife (Surprise Sports)
- Kalidou Koulibaly 2024: Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings (Surprise Sports)
- Riyad Mahrez Net Worth 2024: Salary, Cars, Age, Income & GF (CAKnowledge)
- 9 absolutely mental footballer products to rival Riyaz Mahrez's RM26 app (PlanetFootball)
- Harry Kane Net Worth 2024 (Sports World News)
- Frenkie de Jong hits out at reports of his Barcelona salary: It's a lot of lies" (Barcelona News)
- De Jong chose Barcelona over PSG after Nike agreed to subsidise wages - sources (ESPN)
- Jordan Henderson has not received a penny from Saudi club after deferring wages to avoid UK tax (The Telegraph)
- Ex-Chelsea star Oscar has amassed gigantic net worth more than Mbappe and De Bruyne (Express)
- David Alaba's age, wife, salary, contract, stats, net worth (Sports Brief)
- David Alaba - Sponsors | Career Details | Achievements (Sports Khabri)
- Manuel Neuer Net Worth 2024, Salary, Endorsements, Cars, Houses And Charities (TSL)
- Transfer News: Bayern Munich Signs Manuel Neuer for a Reported 18 Million Euros (Bleacher Report)
- Barcelona confirm Frenkie De Jong signing from Ajax in 65m deal, beating Manchester City and PSG (The Independent)
- Agreement with Bayern Munich for the transfer of Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)
- ROMA AND LIVERPOOL AGREE SALAH TRANSFER (AS Roma)
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