Soccer players rank among some of the highest-earning individuals across the world. This is because soccer (football) has become one of the fields attracting mouthwatering sponsorships from the corporate world.
In the past few years, soccer has seen some unprecedented transfers involving huge sums. For instance, the Saudi Pro League clubs shelled out roughly $1 billion on transfers last year, according to Forbes.
Soccer players, like musicians, film actors, and show hosts, also make money on and off the field. Some have also established enterprises to not only make more money but to create employment for others.
In its recent publication, Forbes has compiled the 10 highest-paid soccer players in the world, with Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid player with $285 million. He is followed by Inter Miami star Lionel Messi with $135 million. Combined, the 10 highest-paid soccer players are projected to earn $983 million this season, a record for the list, Forbes said.
Of the highest-paid soccer players in the world, six are Blacks:
Neymar
The Brazilian superstar who plays for Al Hilal is the highest-paid Black football player, projected to make $80 million on-field and $30 million off-field. Forbes said the 32-year-old made only five appearances with Al Hilal before tearing his ACL last October. He is however back to training with the club.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema originally comes from Algeria but grew up in France. He plays for the French national team and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad. The former Ballon d’Or winner is projected to make $100 million on the field and $4 million off-field, making the 36-year-old the second highest-paid Black football player.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe plays for Real Madrid and the France National Team. He previously joined PSG from Ligue 1 side Monaco for a record fee of $219 million when he was only 18 years old.
Forbes puts his total earnings at $90 million. Of the figure, $20 million is expected to be made off-field while the rest will be on-field earnings. He was born in Paris and was raised in Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis. His father, Wilfried, is from Cameroon while his mother, Fayza Lamari, is of Algerian origin.
Vinicius Jr.
Vinicis Jr plays for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national soccer team. He joined Real Madrid in 2018 from Flamengo when he was only 18 years old. Since joining Madrid, he has secured at least 11 brand deals, including Sony’s PlayStation, Pepsi and Clear shampoo. As per Forbes, he is projected to make $40 million on the field and $15 million off the field. This is his first time on the list.
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian King, as he is affectionately called, plays for the English side, Liverpool FC. He joined the Merseyside club from Italian side AS Roma. He has previously played for Chelsea Football Club.
He is projected to make $53 million in total, with $35 million on-field and $18 million through endorsement deals. Salah was born on June 15 of 1992 in Nagrig, Basyoun, Egypt. He started his career from the Egyptian side El Mokawloon before moving to Europe to continue with his professional career.
Today, he has a lot of followers on social media and has worked with major brands like Vodafone, Mountain View Egypt, Pepsi and Adidas.
Sadio Mané
Senegalese player Sadio Mané joined Saudi Arabia club side Al Nassr following a season at FC Bayern. He is expected to make $48 million on-field and $4 million off-field. Forbes has praised him for using his salary to help his home country Senegal, including building a gas station and a post office and providing 4G mobile coverage.
