Although their days of direct confrontation in the elite of European soccer are behind them, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to compete off the field, especially in the economic arena. Today, both lead the list of the highest-paid athletes on the planet, but the big question remains: who will earn more in 2025?
⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo: The Contract Monster in Saudi Arabia
Current club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Age: 40 years old
Estimated annual revenue: $200-210 million
Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest paid player in soccer history when he signed with Al-Nassr at the end of 2022. His contract broke all known schemes, with figures combining sports salary and image rights, reaching an estimated total of $200 million per year.
Income breakdown:
- Base salary with Al-Nassr: $75 million net per year (more than $1.4 million per week).
- Bonuses and bonuses: Includes additional payments for performance, goals, club marketing and presence at events.
- Commercial agreements and sponsors:
- Nike (lifetime contract)
- Binance, Herbalife, Clear Men
- His CR7 product line: perfumes, underwear, eyewear, footwear, hotels, gyms, etc.
- Instagram: It is the number one in the world with more than 630 million followers. It charges between $2 and $3 million for each sponsored post.
Personal business:
- Owner of the Pestana CR7 hotel chain in Portugal and other cities.
- Investments in health, fitness and technology.
- His personal brand has an estimated valuation in excess of $500 million.
🐐 Lionel Messi: Emperor of Global Marketing
Current club: Inter Miami (MLS, United States)
Age: 37 years old
Estimated annual revenue: $135-150 million
After his departure from PSG, Messi arrived in the United States to revolutionize Major League Soccer. His contract with Inter Miami not only includes a high salary, but also strategic agreements with major brands and the league itself.
Income breakdown:
- Base salary with Inter Miami: Approximately $50-60 million annually.
- Agreements with Apple and Adidas:
- Percentage on MLS Season Pass subscriptions (Apple TV+).
- Exclusive lifetime contract with Adidas.
- Other sponsors: Pepsi, Budweiser, Lay’s, Hard Rock, Gatorade.
- Instagram: More than 500 million followers, charging more than $1.5 million per sponsored post.
Personal business:
- Own clothing brand(The Messi Store).
- Investments in hotels ( MiM chain, managed by Majestic Hotel Group).
- Soccer academy and social projects with the Leo Messi Foundation.
📊 Economic Comparison 2025
| Concept | Cristiano Ronaldo | Lionel Messi |
|---|---|---|
| Annual salary (club) | 75 million | 55 million |
| Total annual revenues | $200-210 million | $135-150 million |
| Followers on Instagram | +630 million | +500 million |
| Sponsorship income | +$100 million | +$80 million |
| Personal business | Hotels, fitness, fashion | Fashion, hotels, Apple TV |
| Personal brand value | Very high (CR7) | Very high (Messi) |
🔍 Who Wins the Most?
As of today, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest paid athlete in the world, surpassing even other stars such as LeBron James or Canelo Alvarez. The contract with Saudi Arabia has marked a new era of astronomical salaries in soccer, and his business empire continues to grow.
Messi, on the other hand, has opted for a more strategic and diversified approach, with unique collaborations and greater involvement in the U.S. market, although his global revenues are below Cristiano’s.
🏁 Conclusion.
Both are global icons and multi-millionaires. Ronaldo leads in total revenues thanks to the gigantic Saudi contract and his aggressive branding strategy. Messi, although more restrained financially, dominates global marketing and high-level collaborations.
Cristiano earns more, but Messi remains the most influential in terms of image and legacy.
The off-field battle is still alive… and increasingly lucrative.
