The 2025 Club World Cup not only brings together the best teams on the planet, but also several of the greatest fortunes in current football. According to a report by Forbes Argentina, the five highest-earning players among the tournament participants have accumulated 381 million dollars over the past 12 months.
Lionel Messi leads the list with 135 million dollars annually. At 37 years old, the Rosario star combines 60 million in sports earnings with another 75 million from sponsorships, events, and personal business ventures.
His influence goes beyond sports: since his arrival, Inter Miami's value has soared to 1.2 billion dollars. He is the face of brands such as Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard, and his continuity at the club beyond 2025 is still uncertain, although his status as a commercial figure is assured.
Messi lidera comodamente el ranking de mejores pagos del Mundial de Clubes
The second place goes to Kylian Mbappé with 90 million, of which 70 are from salary and sports bonuses, and another 20 from advertising contracts. Among the main sponsors of the Frenchman are Nike, Hublot, Oakley, and Dior.
Mbappé tiene más ganancias por salario que por patrocinadores
Erling Haaland completes the podium with 62 million (48 million from sports activity and 14 million in sponsorships). With ties to Nike, Clear, and Beats by Dre, the Norwegian signed the longest contract in Premier League history.
Haaland percibe menos de la mitad de lo que lo hace Messi
Behind him is Vinicius Jr., a star for Real Madrid and chosen FIFA Player of the Year in 2024. The 24-year-old Brazilian earns 55 million (40 million from his club and 15 from commercial deals with Gatorade, Pepsi, and Dubai Tourism).
The top five is completed by Harry Kane, a star for Bayern Munich, who accumulated 39 million (29 million from his contract and 10 from advertising). The English striker recently won his first Bundesliga and is the face of Skechers Football.
Vinicius y Kane cierran el Top 5 de mejores pagos del Mundial de Clubes
Although these names are dazzling, not all will be present at the world event. Neymar, with earnings of 76 million, Mohamed Salah (53 million), and Cristiano Ronaldo (the highest-paid athlete in the world with 275 million annually) will not be part of the tournament. The Portuguese, despite the rumors, confirmed that he will continue at Al Nassr, which did not qualify for the tournament.
