10 Highest-Paid Footballers in the World in 2023: See Who Made the List

The Top 10 Highest-Paid Footballers in the World in 2023: See Who Made the List

Professional football has evolved into a highly lucrative industry, with players commanding staggering salaries and securing lucrative sponsorship deals.

The emergence of major investors, such as multinationals, oligarchs, and oil states as club owners, has further propelled the exponential rise in footballers’ wages.

In particular, the Saudi Pro League has had a significant impact on the top earners in the game, with the majority of the highest-paid players currently plying their trade in Saudi Arabia. Let’s explore the top 10 highest-earning football stars in the world in 2023, based on their annual salaries.

10. Kalidou Koulibaly – €30m (€577,000 per week):
After a challenging season in the Premier League, Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly departed from England for a fresh challenge. Joining Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Koulibaly became the highest-paid defender globally, earning a staggering €577,000 per week.

10 Highest Paid Footballers in the World in 2023

09. Riyad Mahrez – €35m (€673,000 per week):
Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez decided to make a move to Saudi Arabia, leaving the Premier League behind. Playing for Al-Ahli, Mahrez now earns more than any of his former teammates, and his performances are expected to yield remarkable numbers in terms of goals and assists.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023

08. Jordan Henderson – €40m (€769,000 per week):
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson became the highest-paid English player by joining Al-Ettifaq. His weekly earnings of €769,000 exceed those of many exceptionally talented players worldwide.

10 highest-paid footballers in the world in 2023

07. Sadio Mane – €40m (€769,000 per week):
Following a one-year stint at Bayern Munich, Sadio Mane, the Senegalese forward, returned to Saudi Arabia, signing with Al Nassr. Mane’s weekly salary of €769,000 reflects his status as a world-class player, even though he hasn’t quite replicated his form since leaving Liverpool.

10 highest-paid footballers in the world in 2023

06. Lionel Messi – €45m (€865,000 per week):
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi declined an offer worth over €1 billion to join the Saudi Pro League, instead opting for Major League Soccer (MLS). Now playing for Inter Miami, Messi has found joy in his new environment, reuniting with former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023

05. Kylian Mbappe – €70m (€1,346,000 per week):
Kylian Mbappe stands out as the sole European player in the top 10 earners. Although doubts surround his long-term future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he remains a coveted talent, with Real Madrid often linked to a potential free transfer next summer.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023

04. Neymar – €100m (€1,923,000 per week):
Brazilian superstar Neymar bid farewell to PSG and embarked on a new chapter with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. His lucrative contract not only includes a substantial weekly salary but also additional perks such as access to a private jet, win bonuses, a luxurious mansion, and substantial payments for promoting Saudi Arabia on Instagram.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023

03. N’Golo Kante – €100m (€1,923,000 per week):
French midfielder N’Golo Kante has ascended to become one of the highest-paid players globally. Investing his newfound wealth, Kante purchased Belgian third-tier side Royal Excelsior Virton, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the club’s heritage and youth academy.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023

02. Karim Benzema – €200m (€3,846,000 per week):
Having achieved success with Real Madrid, Karim Benzema sought a fresh challenge and joined Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. As one of the joint-highest earners globally, Benzema has made an impressive start, delivering notable performances and scoring goals for his new team.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023

01. Cristiano Ronaldo – €200m (€3,846,000 per week):
Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, tops the list of highest earners. Playing for Al Nassr, he continues to thrive, enjoying the lucrative arrangement that rewards him with a staggering weekly wage of €3,846,000.

10 highest paid footballers in the world in 2023