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Barcelona's young talent, Lamine Yamal, has made it onto the list of the top 10 players in the world for 2025.
Yamal is now the first 18-year-old footballer to appear on Forbes’ list in the last 22 years.
The Spanish international is projected to earn $43 million after recently signing a 10-year contract.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continues to hold the title of the highest-paid player in the world.
Ronaldo's new two-year contract is expected to bring him a total of $280 million in earnings over the next year, before taxes and agent fees.
The Forbes ranking takes into account estimated on-field earnings, which include base salaries, bonuses, and club-based image rights agreements.
Forbes’ list of the top 10 highest-paid players for 2025 includes:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 million
2. Lionel Messi – $130 million
3. Karim Benzema – $104 million
4. Kylian Mbappé – $95 million
5. Erling Haaland – $80 million
6. Vinícius Júnior – $60 million
7. Mohamed Salah – $55 million
8. Sadio Mané – $54 million
9. Jude Bellingham – $44 million
10. Lamine Yamal – $43 million
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lamine Yamal?
Lamine Yamal is a young football player from Barcelona who has recently been recognized as one of the top players in the world for 2025.
What is Cristiano Ronaldo's current earning?
Cristiano Ronaldo is projected to earn $280 million in total from his new two-year contract.
What factors are considered in the Forbes ranking?
The Forbes ranking considers on-field earnings, including base salaries, bonuses, and club-based image rights agreements.
