Soccer remains one of the world's most lucrative sports, and Forbes' latest list of highest-paid footballers highlights the staggering earnings of the game's top stars.

For the sixth consecutive year, Cristiano Ronaldo claims the number one spot, proving that even at 40, he remains unmatched when it comes to sports earnings.

The rankings include contracts, bonuses, image rights, and other income sources beyond football.

Cristiano Ronaldo ($280 Million)

Cristiano Ronaldo Cashes In Big—Tops 2024's Highest-Paid Athletes List
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Ronaldo continues to dominate the earning charts, thanks to a combination of elite performance and savvy business ventures. With over 1.04 billion social media followers, he leverages his immense popularity for lucrative sponsorships with brands like Nike, Binance, and his own CR7 line of products.

At 40, he is still chasing milestones, including the historic goal of reaching 1,000 career goals.

Lionel Messi ($130 Million)

Lionel Messi remains one of the highest earners despite entering the latter stages of his career. His move to Inter Miami has transformed the profile of Major League Soccer, while ventures off the pitch, including his sports drink company Más+ by Messi and the Messi Cup youth tournament, add to his income, making him a financial powerhouse beyond soccer.

Karim Benzema ($104 Million)

2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema has parlayed his success at Real Madrid into a lucrative contract with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

While his off-field income is relatively modest at around $4 million, his nine-figure contract ensures he ranks among the richest players in the world. However, his contract may soon come to an end.

Kylian Mbappé ($95 Million)

French superstar Kylian Mbappé has been a headline-grabbing figure, with his transfer to Real Madrid making waves worldwide.

Even without winning a major trophy in his first season, his on-field performances and commercial endorsements place him among the highest earners globally, securing his position with the third-highest income from sponsorships.

Erling Haaland ($80 Million)

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has quickly established himself as one of football's most prolific goalscorers. Rising from Red Bull Salzburg to Manchester City, he has netted 94 goals in 104 Premier League appearances, with impressive Champions League performances further boosting his profile.

Endorsements, including deals with Nike, contribute significantly to his $80 million earnings.