The reign of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the world’s highest-paid players is over. For the first time in eight years, neither Ronaldo nor Messi can claim this title. Instead, the highest-paid player in the world at the moment is Paris Saint-Germain’s star forward Kylian Mbappe.
Influential media outlet Forbes recently released its list of the world’s highest-paid players in 2022, with Mbappe sitting comfortably at the top with $128 million in earnings. The magazine estimates that the 23-year-old earned $110 million in salaries and bonuses while collecting an additional $18 million from endorsements and other off-the-field activities.
Despite not being soccer’s biggest earners anymore, Ronaldo and Messi are still close to the top. Messi is ranked second with $110 million in total earnings, while Ronaldo ranks third with $100 million. Interestingly, both of the superstars make close to or more than half of their respective figures from off-pitch activities.
The 2022 list also represents a debut for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the top 10. Haaland has estimated earnings of $39 million this year, being the sixth highest-paid soccer player in the world. Curiously, he and Mbappe are the only two players in the top 10 that are younger than 30.
Finally, Forbes’ list also has a surprising inclusion of veteran midfielder Andres Iniesta. Despite leaving European soccer in 2018, Iniesta still earns well thanks to his high salary in Japan’s Vissel Kobe. The 38-year-old earned $25 million in salary and an additional $5 million in off-the-field earnings.
