Barcelona Wonderkid Lamine Yamal Breaks Into World’s Top 10 Richest Footballers as Ronaldo Leads

 Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has stunned the football world by breaking into Forbes’ 2025 list of the Top 10 highest-paid footballers, joining legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old winger’s inclusion marks a new era in global football finance — one where youth, talent, and marketing power collide.

According to Forbes, Yamal now earns around €37 million per year from both salary and endorsements, an astonishing figure for a player still in his teens. His meteoric rise mirrors his performances for Barcelona and Spain, where he has become one of the brightest stars in world football. Yamal’s recent long-term contract with Barça, coupled with major sponsorships from global brands, has transformed him into one of the sport’s youngest-ever multi-millionaires.

Still, no one comes close to Cristiano Ronaldo, who retains his place at the summit with an eye-watering €239 million per year — more than double the earnings of second-placed Lionel Messi, who brings in €111 million annually. Rounding out the top five are Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, each reaping massive rewards from both club deals and global sponsorships.

Yamal’s inclusion ahead of global superstars like Jude Bellingham and Sadio Mané underscores the power shift in modern football economics. Clubs are increasingly investing in youth, and brands are rushing to tie themselves to emerging icons who can drive engagement on and off the pitch.

For Ronaldo, the dominance continues; for Yamal, the future is golden. The teenager’s arrival among football’s financial titans is proof that the game’s next generation isn’t just chasing glory — they’re cashing in on it too.