Soccer player in a pink Inter Miami uniform running on the field with a flag in the background — Messi is the highest-paid player at the Club World Cup | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Messi is the highest-paid player at the Club World Cup | La Derecha Diario

The millionaires of the 2025 Club World Cup: Messi leads among the highest paid

Five football figures present at the World Cup tournament have accumulated earnings of 381 million dollars in one year

16/06/2025 12:55:00h

Editorial Team

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.

Soccer player with a beard and short hair wearing Inter Miami’s pink uniform during a match

Messi comfortably leads the ranking of the highest-paid players at the Club World Cup | La Derecha Diario

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.

Soccer player celebrating a goal wearing a Real Madrid jersey in a packed stadium

Mbappé has more earnings from salary than from sponsors | La Derecha Diario

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.

Soccer player in a light blue Manchester City uniform on the field with hands on hips

Haaland earns less than half of what Messi does | La Derecha Diario

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.

Two players in action, one wearing the white uniform of Real Madrid and the other wearing the red uniform of Bayern Munich

Vinicius and Kane complete the top 5 highest-paid players at the Club World Cup | La Derecha Diario

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.

➡️ Argentina