Barcelona youngster, Lamine Yamal, has entered the list of top 10 players in the world for 2025.
Yamal becomes the first 18-year-old footballer to enter Forbes’ list in 22 years.
The Spain international has an expected earnings of $43m, after recently signing a 10-year contract.
However, Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is still ranked the highest-paid player in the world.
Ronaldo’s new two-year contract sees him projected to earn $280 million in total earnings over the coming year before taxes and agents’ fees.
The Forbes ranking reflects on-field earnings estimates, including base salaries, bonuses and, club-based image rights agreements.
Forbes’ top 10 highest-paid players 2025:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $280m
2. Lionel Messi – $130m
3. Karim Benzema – $104m
4. Kylian Mbappé – $95m
5. Erling Haaland – $80m
6. Vinícius Júnior – $60m
7. Mohamed Salah – $55m
8. Sadio Mané – $54m
9. Jude Bellingham – $44m
10. Lamine Yamal – $43m