The World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players 2023

Outrageous Saudi contracts and a major MLS signing realigned the soccer universe this year. But a roster of marquee names—including Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar—remain on top of the financial table.

BY JUSTIN BIRNBAUM, FORBES STAFF

To persuade Neymar to leave France’s Ligue 1 and join the Saudi Pro League, his new club, Al Hilal, had to deliver a soccer king’s ransom. The 31-year-old Brazilian star reportedly received a mansion with staff, a fleet of luxury cars, and access to a private jet, as well as bonuses for team wins and social media posts and permission to live with his girlfriend, which is restricted by Islamic law. That’s all on top of the estimated $80 million in on-field compensation ($112 million in total earnings) Neymar is expected to receive for playing this season.

Al Hilal can afford it. The club is one of four that Saudi Arabia’s $700 billion (assets) Public Investment Fund took control of in June and a critical piece of the Kingdom’s outsized sporting ambitions. Just as they did with LIV Golf, the Saudis are keen on shaking up the global soccer landscape and creating a new destination for top talent. And they’re not shy about spending astronomical amounts of money to land a galaxy of stars.