The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States from June 15 to July 13, is not only a showcase of the world’s top football clubs but also a stage for some of the highest-paid players in the sport. With a record prize pool of $1 billion and winners set to earn up to $125 million, the financial stakes are higher than ever . This substantial increase in prize money reflects the growing commercial appeal of the tournament, attracting elite talent from across the globe.

Top Earning Players

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia)

    • Annual Earnings: €200 million

    • Position: Forward

    • Overview: Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr includes a €90 million base salary, with the remainder coming from commercial and sponsorship deals. His participation in the Club World Cup adds to his significant earnings.

  2. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)

    • Annual Earnings: Up to $100 million

    • Position: Forward

    • Overview: Benzema’s contract with Al-Ittihad stipulates earnings up to $100 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in the tournament.

  3. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, Spain)

    • Annual Earnings: Estimated €50 million

    • Position: Forward

    • Overview: Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid has significantly increased his earnings, with estimates placing his annual salary at €50 million. His performance bonuses during the Club World Cup could further augment his income.

  4. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, USA)

    • Annual Earnings: Estimated €50 million

    • Position: Forward

    • Overview: Messi’s contract with Inter Miami includes a substantial salary, with additional earnings from performance bonuses in the Club World Cup. His participation is a significant draw for the tournament’s global audience.

  5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England)

    • Annual Earnings: Estimated €30 million

    • Position: Forward

    • Overview: Salah’s contract with Liverpool places him among the top earners in the Premier League, with his earnings further boosted by performance bonuses in international tournaments like the Club World Cup.

Conclusion

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup not only features premier football talent but also highlights the significant financial investments in the sport. Players like Ronaldo, Benzema, Mbappé, Messi, and Salah exemplify the lucrative opportunities available to top-tier footballers. As the tournament progresses, their performances will undoubtedly be closely watched, both on the field and in terms of the financial impact they bring to their respective clubs.

Published: 13th June 2025

For more such articles, please follow us on Twitter, Linkedin & Instagram

Also Read:

Global Markets 2025: Key Drivers of Growth and Volatility
The World’s Highest-Paid Golfers of 2025
Top 2025 Investment Picks: Global Market Trends to Watch