Cristiano Ronaldo tops the latest charts as current highest-paid player in world football

Cristiano Ronaldo has been declared the highest-paid player currently in world football ahead of fellow superstar Lionel Messi.

The former Manchester United star moved to Saudi Arabia in January last year, completing a stunning move to Al Nassr.

With a weekly salary rumoured to be in the region of £3.8m, the 38-year-old continues to pave the way despite fast approaching the age of 40.

According to recent data, four of the top ten highest-paid stars now play professionally in Saudi Arabia, with two in the top three.

Lionel Messi is still in second place following his move to MLS outfit Inter Miami in 2023.

The 2022 World Cup winner called time on his spell in France with PSG and opted for pastures new in the USA as he joined David Beckham's franchise.

Neymar, a former team-mate of Messi, boasts the third spot on the list, after completing his own move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.

Now playing his football for Al Hilal, the Brazilian international earns a staggering £2.5m a week. He has so far failed to find the net in the Saudi top-flight.

Image: Getty

French duo Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema make up the top five highest earners, with the former still playing his trade for now in Ligue 1.

The 25-year-old has been continually linked with a move to Real Madrid and currently rumours suggests he is set to join Carlo Ancelotti's side in the summer.

Benzema has endured a troubled spell in the Middle East so far with Al-Ittihad, having been linked with a move back to Lyon as early as last week.

TOP 10 EARNERS IN WORLD FOOTBALL

1 - Cristiano Ronaldo - £204.9m

2 - Lionel Messi - £106.4m

3 - Neymar - £88.2m

4 - Kylian Mbappe - £86.7m

5 - Karim Benzema - £83.5m

6 - Erling Haaland - £45.7m

7 - Mohamed Salah - £41.7m

8 - Sadio Mane - £40.9m

9 - Kevin De Bruyne - £30.7m

10 - Harry Kane - £28.3m