Top 10 football stars making the most money in 2022

1. Kylian Mbappe ($128 million)

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappé has solidified his position as the face of French soccer after winning three of the previous four Ligue 1 Player of the Year Awards. Mbappé declined to take part in a photo shoot and other sponsor events in opposition to the image rights agreement the French national team has with its players; the French Football Federation has declared it will investigate the situation.

In 2022, He earned 128 million USD, of which 110 million USD was from playing football. According to Forbes , the French striker is only 4th in 2021 with an income of 43 million USD . The new contract signed with PSG in the summer of 2022 helps the 24-year-old spearhead become richer.

2. Lionel Messi ($120 million)

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has for the second year in a row ranked second in the list of highest-paid players, with $ 120 million. In 2021, "El Pulga" pocketed 110 million USD.

Messi  had a successful year with the most outstanding achievement is the World Cup 2022 title. Leo is about to extend his contract with PSG and promises his income will increase in 2023.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo ($100 million)

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is the highest-paid soccer player in the world off the field despite a steep decline in playing time, thanks to sponsors like Nike, Herbalife, and Livescore.

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo earned $100 million. In particular, CR7's non-football income reached $60 million , the highest among players in 2022. However, Ronaldo dropped in rank compared to 2021 when he once topped the list with an income of $125 million . He lost about $ 19 million due to being terminated by MU. After joining Al Nassr, it is likely that the former Real Madrid striker will return to the number one position in 2023.

4. Neymar Jr ($87 million)

Neymar Jr

With a record-breaking $263 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar created history. He renewed his contract in May 2021 through 2025, and he was instrumental in getting Messi to sign on later that year. In anticipation of the World Cup, Neymar added Ooredoo Group as a sponsor, demonstrating his continued success as a salesperson.

Neymar is the 3rd PSG player in the top 10 highest earning players in 2022. He ranks 4th, being paid $87 million for football and off-field activities. Similar to Ronaldo, Neymar dropped one rank compared to the previous year with an income of $ 95 million.

5. Mohamed Salah ($53 million)

Mohamed Salah

Salah was voted England's Men's Footballer of the Year and Playmaker of the Season 2021/2022 after a standout performance that nearly brought Liverpool the Premier League title on the final day of the season. He also won the league's Golden Boot Award. He extended his contract with Liverpool for three more years in July, and he will remain one of Adidas' most well-known athletes through the year 2025.

He earned $53 million in 2022. This season, the former Chelsea striker continues to maintain a high level of performance. Despite Liverpool's unstable play, Salah scored 16 goals and made 6 assists in 25 matches in all competitions.

6. Erling Haaland ($38 million)

Erling Haaland

$38 million is Erling Haaland 's earnings. For the first time, the Norwegian striker appeared on this list. According to Forbes, Haaland receives $4 million in endorsement payments each year from companies like Hyperice, Samsung, and Viaplay, but that sum is expected to rise sharply. According to reports, Haaland's upcoming shoe deal might be valued up to $18 million a year. This year saw the expiration of his prior contract with Nike.

With outstanding form, Haaland promises to be able to earn more money in the future.

7. Robert Lewandowski ($35 million)

Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski demonstrated that he is deserved with $45 million which is he amount that Barcelona spent to own him. 18 goals in 20 matches is the achievement of rookie Barcelona this season.He owns his own clothing line called "RL9" and is sponsored by Nike. He terminated his long-term contract with Huawei this year after hearing that the corporation had backed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In 2022, he pocketed $35 million in the past year. This income level is equal to 2021.

8. Eden Hazard ($31 million)

Eden Hazard

Six goals in 72 La Liga and Champions League games over the course of four seasons, Hazard's underwhelming time at Real Madrid, has spurred persistent whispers of a move back to Chelsea.

Despite his limited contribution to Real Madrid, Eden Hazard is still one of the highest earning players in 2022. He is paid $31 million for his football and off-field activities. The 31-year-old earlier made an appearance on the FIFA 20 video game's box art.

9. Andrés Iniesta ($30 million)

Andrés Iniesta

Leaving the top football in Europe for a long time, Andres Iniesta still has an income of up to $30 million. Wearing the Vissel Kobe shirt since 2018, the 2010 World Cup champion has no intention of retiring despite being 38 years old. In Japan, Iniesta is treated like a king.

In September, the 38-year-old established his own apparel company. Its name is Capitten, and it is geared toward the Japanese market. It launched with a limited-edition launch of a signature cleat.

10. Kevin De Bruyne ($29 million)

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne 's income is said to be somewhat modest compared to the class and value he brings. However, the Belgian midfielder is signed by more than 11 brand such as Nike, Wow Hydrate, Credit Karma, Therabody.  Along with a salary of nearly $500,000 at Man City, De Bruyne earned $29 million in the past year.