By
Arinze Izik

Cristiano Ronaldo remains far ahead in the global football wage race, with new salary data showing the Portuguese star pulling further clear of his rivals.

While Lionel Messi is back in the top earners chart, the gap between the two icons has grown significantly, underscoring how Saudi Arabian clubs are reshaping football finances.

Figures compiled by Capology and reported by Planet Football show Ronaldo earns an estimated £3.42 million per week in basic pay at Al-Nassr. That keeps him as the highest-paid player in both the Saudi Pro League and world football.

The numbers reflect base salary only. They do not factor in bonuses, image rights, signing fees, or endorsement deals, meaning Ronaldo’s total annual income is much higher.

Messi back in the rankings
Messi re-enters the global list at No.13 after joining Inter Miami. The Argentine is listed on about £360,876 per week — a huge difference compared to Ronaldo’s package. The contrast highlights the different routes the pair have taken late in their careers, with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and Messi in Major League Soccer.

Saudi Pro League’s financial rise
A major highlight of the new list is the Saudi Pro League’s dominance. Six SPL players feature among the world’s 15 highest-paid footballers, proof of the league’s aggressive recruitment drive.

Karim Benzema is second overall with roughly £2.01 million per week. Others from Saudi Arabia on the list include Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ivan Toney, and Ruben Neves.

Top 15 by weekly base salary

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr – £3,421,039
2. Karim Benzema – £2,010,107
3. Sadio Mané – £656,629
4. Kalidou Koulibaly – £569,626
5. Erling Haaland – £525,000
6. Kylian Mbappé – £512,992
7. Sergej Milinković-Savić – £418,765
8. Ivan Toney – £418,765
9. Vinícius Júnior – £410,393
10. Harry Kane – £410,393
11. Jamal Musiala – £374,771
12. Darwin Núñez – £368,533
13. Lionel Messi – £360,876
14. Virgil van Dijk – £350,000
15. Rúben Neves – £343,417

The updated rankings show how Saudi Arabia’s investment has shifted the balance of football salaries, even as European stars like Haaland, Mbappe, and Kane remain among the world’s top earners.