Soccer, also known as football, is a sport that has captivated the hearts of billions of people around the world. It has gained immense popularity and has become a major source of revenue for players, clubs, and organizations involved in the sport. In 2023, several soccer players stood out as the highest-earning athletes in the world. Let’s take a closer look at the top five highest-paid soccer players for 2023.

5. Andres Iniesta: The Spanish Midfield Maestro

Andres Iniesta, a legendary Spanish midfielder, has etched his name among the highest-paid soccer players in 2023. Currently playing for Vissel Kobe in the Japanese J1 League, Iniesta signed a highly lucrative contract in 2018, earning a staggering £450,000 per week. Throughout his illustrious career, Iniesta has achieved remarkable success, winning eight La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, and two European Championships. 

Several clubs and sponsors all around the world have taken note of Iniesta’s extraordinary talent and successes in recent years. Iniesta is not only paid a salary, but he also has endorsement deals with various companies, including Japanese automobile giants Nissan, Asics, and JBL. These arrangements contribute significantly to Iniesta’s already excellent earnings.

The consistent achievements that Iniesta has had both on and off the field have helped to solidify his position as one of the most well-known and highly compensated soccer players in the world.

4. Neymar Jr.: The Skilled Superstar

Neymar Jr., known for his exceptional skills on the soccer field, continues to rank among the highest-paid soccer players in 2023. Earning an impressive £950,000 per week, Neymar has solidified his position as one of the top earners in the sport. In addition to his soccer career, Neymar has ventured into various business opportunities, including endorsement deals with Nike, Gillette, Red Bull, and Mastercard. His commercial ventures, combined with his soccer earnings, have significantly contributed to his overall net worth.

3. Lionel Messi: The Dominant Force

Lionel Messi, a name that resonates with soccer excellence, continues to dominate the sport both on and off the field. In 2023, Messi stands as one of the highest-paid soccer players in the world. After leaving Barcelona, he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and signed a lucrative contract that earns him an estimated £1 million per week. Alongside his impressive salary, Messi has secured endorsement deals with renowned brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei, adding millions of dollars to his net worth. His exceptional talent, combined with his marketability, has firmly established him as an icon in the soccer world.

2. Kylian Mbappe: The Rising Star

Kylian Mbappe, a young and immensely talented soccer player, has captured the attention of fans worldwide. In 2023, Mbappe’s weekly earnings are estimated to be around £1.6 million, placing him among the highest-paid soccer players globally. After making a remarkable move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017, he continued to excel on the field, earning numerous individual awards and playing a crucial role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory. Mbappe’s rise to prominence shows no signs of slowing down, and his remarkable skills continue to captivate soccer enthusiasts around the world.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Phenomenal Athlete

Cristiano Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, remains a force to be reckoned with in 2023. Ronaldo’s earnings in 2023 are estimated to be an astounding £3.4 million per week, making him the highest-paid soccer player in the world. In addition to his on-field success, Ronaldo has secured numerous endorsement deals, including partnerships with Nike, Herbalife, and Tag Heuer. His consistent performance on the field, coupled with his business ventures off the field, have contributed to his status as one of the wealthiest athletes globally.