Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove that his impact transcends generations. The Al Nassr superstar once again leads Forbes’ prestigious list of the world’s highest-paid footballers in 2025, with total earnings reaching €239 million. Behind him, one of the sport’s brightest young talents makes a surprise appearance: Lamine Yamal, who at just 18 years old has broken into the top 10 for the first time.

Cristiano, a business that never stops

The Portuguese icon, who has topped the ranking since 2019, maintains his reign thanks to his lucrative contract with Al Nassr, valid until 2027, and an extensive portfolio of sponsors that continues to generate staggering sums. Although his income dropped slightly compared to last year — down €24 million — his total of €239 million has only ever been surpassed in sports history by American boxer Floyd Mayweather, who earned €256 million in 2015.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s global influence remains unmatched. In a football landscape increasingly dominated by young stars, the 40-year-old continues to be the most profitable athlete on the planet. His leadership in the Saudi market and his unmatched media power keep him at the summit of world football — both on and off the pitch.

Lamine Yamal: the future is already here

The biggest surprise in the ranking is the inclusion of Lamine Yamal, who becomes the youngest player ever to appear on the list. The Barcelona prodigy earned €28 million in salary and an additional €8.5 million from endorsement deals, for a total of €37 million. His growing digital presence has been a key factor — he has doubled his social media following to reach 77 million followers, and his posts average over 33 million interactions.

The meteoric rise of the Catalan winger further cements LaLiga as one of the most represented leagues on the list, with four players featured: Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Yamal himself. Behind Cristiano, Lionel Messi ranks second with €111 million, while Karim Benzema completes the podium with €89 million.

Collectively, the ten highest-paid footballers in the world have earned €808 million this season — slightly less than last year due to the absence of Neymar Jr.. However, the most striking fact is that five of the ten are under 29 years old, confirming that the generational shift at the top of football’s financial elite is already underway.

While Cristiano holds onto his throne, Lamine Yamal is emerging as the natural heir to a new era — one that blends talent, youth, and an unprecedented level of global influence.