Saudi Arabia’s immense financial dominance over global football has been underlined once again, with Saudi Pro League stars accounting for six of the world’s 15 highest-paid players
Topping the list is Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains “world football’s highest-paid player,” according to a Planet Football report citing figures from Capology. The Portuguese superstar leads the standings with a staggering weekly base salary of £3.42 million. He is followed in second place by Al-Ittihad forward Karim Benzema, who collects a reported £2.01 million each week.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has re-entered the top 15 following his move to Inter Miami. Having missed out on the previous edition of the rankings, the Argentine forward now sits in 13th place with weekly earnings of £360,876.
Premier League representation is led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who stands as the English top flight’s top earner on £525,000 per week, placing him fifth overall. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé ranks sixth on £512,992, while his team-mate Vinícius Júnior and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane tie for ninth place, both receiving £410,393 weekly.
The remaining positions in the top 15 feature a mix of European and Saudi-based talent, including Jamal Musiala, Darwin Núñez, Virgil van Dijk, and Rúben Neves.
The compiled figures reflect estimated base weekly wages only and exclude performance-related bonuses, signing fees, image rights, or external endorsement deals.
World Football’s Top 15 Weekly Base Salaries
* Cristiano Ronaldo – £3,421,039
* Karim Benzema – £2,010,107
* Sadio Mané – £656,629
* Kalidou Koulibaly – £569,626
* Erling Haaland – £525,000
* Kylian Mbappé – £512,992
* Sergej Milinković-Savić – £418,765
* Ivan Toney – £418,765
* Vinícius Júnior – £410,393
* Harry Kane – £410,393
* Jamal Musiala – £374,771
* Darwin Núñez – £368,533
* Lionel Messi – £360,876
* Virgil van Dijk – £350,000
* Rúben Neves – £343,417