Top-Earning Players at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Richest Players Competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

A Brief History of the FIFA Club World Cup

Origins and Evolution

The FIFA Club World Cup was established in 2000 as a global competition to crown the best club team in the world. It was created to replace the Intercontinental Cup, which had only featured clubs from Europe (UEFA) and South America (CONMEBOL). FIFA’s vision was to expand the competition to include champions from all six continental confederations — UEFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, and OFC — along with the host nation's national champion.

The Inaugural Tournament (2000)

The first edition took place in Brazil and featured eight teams. Corinthians, representing the host nation, emerged as the inaugural champions after defeating Vasco da Gama in a dramatic penalty shootout. Despite its potential, the tournament faced logistical and financial challenges and was shelved for several years.

Reintroduction and Format Stabilization (2005–2022)

After a five-year hiatus, the tournament returned in 2005 in Japan, this time with a revised format. From then until 2022, the competition was typically held annually with seven teams:

• Six continental champions

• One champion from the host nation

This era was largely dominated by European clubs, particularly Spanish giants Real Madrid, who won the title five times (as of 2023), followed by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.

Expanded Format and Modernization (2023 Onward)

Recognizing the need for a more competitive and commercially appealing format, FIFA announced an expanded version of the Club World Cup starting in 2025. This new format features 32 teams and will be held every four years, mirroring the structure of the FIFA World Cup. The 2025 edition, set to take place in the United States, marks a major turning point in the tournament's scope, prestige, and global reach.

Significance in World Football

The Club World Cup is now considered the ultimate title in club football, bringing together continental champions and offering a rare chance for intercontinental matchups. For clubs, it provides both prestige and commercial value, while for fans, it offers a glimpse of global football excellence on one stage.

Also Read: The Most Expensive Players in IPL History Revealed

World’s Highest-Paid Footballers 2025: Earnings, Influence, and Brand Power

The world of football is not just about what happens on the pitch — today’s top players are global celebrities whose incomes are driven as much by their business savvy and brand appeal as by their athletic excellence. In 2025, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., and Harry Kane lead the list of highest-paid footballers, commanding staggering sums both on and off the field. Here's a detailed look at their earnings, career trajectories, and brand affiliations.

1. Lionel Messi – $135 Million

Age of Lionel Messi: 37

Club of Lionel Messi: Inter Miami

Nationality of Lionel Messi: Argentina

On-Field Earnings of Lionel Messi: $60 million

Off-Field Earnings of Lionel Messi: $75 million

A Transformational Force in MLS

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has single-handedly changed the face of Major League Soccer (MLS). His presence has significantly increased ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and media rights value. As a result, Inter Miami's valuation has skyrocketed to an impressive $1.2 billion, making it the second-most valuable club in the league. This transformation illustrates Messi’s enduring impact on and off the pitch.

Contract Status and Future Uncertainty

Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of 2025. While talks are reportedly underway to extend his stay, there remains uncertainty about where he will end his legendary career. Whether he stays in South Florida, returns to Barcelona, or chooses another destination, one thing is clear: Messi’s marketability will remain unmatched.

Marketing Giant and Brand Ambassador

Messi is one of only four athletes in the world to earn more than $75 million off the field. His brand appeal spans continents and generations. Endorsements with global giants such as Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard contribute significantly to his off-field income. His collaborations often transcend football, placing him in elite territory among global icons.

2. Kylian Mbappé – $90 Million

Age of Kylian Mbappé: 26

Club of Kylian Mbappé: Real Madrid

Nationality of Kylian Mbappé: France

On-Field Earnings of Kylian Mbappé: $70 million

Off-Field Earnings of Kylian Mbappé: $20 million

A Dream Move to Real Madrid

In 2024, Kylian Mbappé fulfilled a long-cherished ambition by signing with Real Madrid after a high-profile exit from Paris Saint-Germain. His move was one of the most talked-about transfers in recent football history. Despite immense individual success, including 42 goals in the 2024–25 season, Real Madrid had a relatively disappointing year — falling short in La Liga and exiting the UEFA Champions League at the quarterfinal stage.

Mixed Emotions with PSG's Triumph

Adding salt to the wound, Mbappé’s former club PSG went on to win the UEFA Champions League, a trophy that has long eluded him. However, the French striker continues to make waves with his performances and remains one of the sport’s most bankable stars.

International Milestones

Mbappé also achieved a major milestone in international football, becoming only the third player in French history to score 50 goals for the national team, joining the ranks of Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry.

Commercial Appeal

While his off-field earnings stand at $20 million — notably lower than Messi’s — Mbappé’s youth and global appeal make him a rising force in marketing. With Real Madrid's global platform, his brand presence is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

3. Erling Haaland – $62 Million

Age of Erling Haaland: 24

Club of Erling Haaland: Manchester City

Nationality of Erling Haaland: Norway

On-Field Earnings of Erling Haaland: $48 million

Off-Field Earnings of Erling Haaland: $14 million

Performance Dips but Earnings Rise

Erling Haaland experienced a slight dip in form during the 2024–25 season, scoring 22 goals, seven fewer than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah who led the Premier League. However, his decline in goal tally did not affect his earning power. Haaland continues to be a key figure for Manchester City and one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

Record-Breaking Contract Extension

In January 2025, Haaland made headlines by signing the longest contract in Premier League history — a nine-and-a-half-year extension with Manchester City. The deal ties him to the club until 2034 and surpasses the previous record set by Cole Palmer’s nine-year deal with Chelsea. This contract cements his long-term commitment to City and underscores his value to the club.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Haaland’s sponsor list includes premium brands such as Nike, Clear, and Beats by Dre. Though his off-field earnings are modest compared to Messi and Mbappé, Haaland's endorsements are expected to grow with his international profile.

4. Vinicius Jr. – $55 Million

Age of Vinicius Jr: 24

Club of Vinicius Jr: Real Madrid

Nationality of Vinicius Jr: Brazil

On-Field Earnings of Vinicius Jr: $40 million

Off-Field Earnings of Vinicius Jr: $15 million

FIFA Men’s Player of the Year

Vinicius Jr. continues to rise as one of the brightest stars in global football. Winning the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award in 2024 boosted his reputation immensely. For the fourth season in a row, he scored over 20 goals across all competitions, proving his consistency and value to Real Madrid.

Struggles on the International Front

Despite his club success, Vini has struggled to replicate that form for the Brazilian national team, having scored just seven goals in 41 appearances. Still, his potential and skill make him a core figure in Brazil’s footballing future.

Expanding Influence in South America

Vinicius Jr.'s popularity in South America continues to surge. He is quickly becoming one of the region's most admired athletes, thanks to his dynamic playing style and charismatic personality.

Lucrative Endorsements

His endorsement portfolio includes leading brands like Gatorade, Pepsi, and Tourism for Dubai. These partnerships not only bring him significant revenue but also help expand his global presence.

5. Harry Kane – $39 Million

Age of Harry Kane: 31

Club of Harry Kane: Bayern Munich

Nationality of Harry Kane: England

On-Field Earnings of Harry Kane: $29 million

Off-Field Earnings of Harry Kane: $10 million

Finally a Champion

Harry Kane has long been regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, but for years he lacked a major trophy to validate his achievements. That changed in 2025 when Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title, giving Kane his long-awaited first major club honor. The win was especially meaningful after a trophyless spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

Prolific Scorer

Kane’s goal-scoring prowess remains remarkable — he has scored 366 goals in all club competitions and 73 goals internationally. These statistics place him among the all-time greats of the modern game.

Face of Skechers Soccer

Unlike most top footballers who partner with legacy brands like Nike or Adidas, Kane has forged a unique path by becoming the face of Skechers’ soccer division. His partnership with the brand is a long-term investment that reflects his off-field vision and business sense.

Brand Appeal in England and Beyond

While Kane's off-field earnings are lower than others on this list, he retains immense marketability, particularly in the UK and Europe. His clean image, consistent performances, and leadership qualities make him a favorite for endorsements and public appearances.

Full match schedule for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Group Stage (June 14–26)

Saturday, June 14

• Al Ahly 0–0 Inter Miami (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami) 

Sunday, June 15

• Bayern Munich 10–0 Auckland City (Cincinnati)

• Paris Saint‑Germain 4–0 Atlético Madrid (Pasadena)

• Palmeiras 0–0 Porto (East Rutherford)

• Botafogo 2–1 Seattle Sounders (Seattle) 

Monday, June 16

• Chelsea 2–0 LAFC (Atlanta)

• Boca Juniors 2–2 Benfica (Miami)

• Flamengo 2–0 Espérance de Tunis (Philadelphia) 

Tuesday, June 17

• Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund

• River Plate 3–1 Urawa Reds

• Mamelodi Sundowns 1–0 Ulsan Hyundai

• Monterrey 1–1 Inter Milan

Wednesday, June 18

• Manchester City 2–0 Wydad AC

• Real Madrid 1–1 Al-Hilal

• RB Salzburg 2–1 Pachuca

• Juventus 5–0 Al Ain

Thursday, June 19

• Palmeiras 2–0 Al Ahly

• Inter Miami 2–1 Porto

• Atlético Madrid 3–1 Seattle Sounders

• Botafogo 1–0 PSG 

Friday, June 20

• Benfica 6–0 Auckland City

• Flamengo 3–1 Chelsea

• Espérance de Tunis 1–0 León (LAFC)

• Bayern Munich 1–0 Boca Juniors 

Saturday, June 21

• Borussia Dortmund 4–3 Mamelodi Sundowns

• Inter Milan 2–1 Urawa Reds

• Fluminense 4–2 Ulsan Hyundai

• River Plate 0–0 Monterrey 

Sunday, June 22

• Juventus 4–1 Wydad AC

• Real Madrid 3–1 Pachuca

• RB Salzburg 0–0 Al-Hilal

• Manchester City 6–0 Al Ain 

Monday, June 23

• Atlético Madrid 1–0 Botafogo

• Seattle Sounders 0–2 PSG

• Inter Miami 2–2 Palmeiras

• Porto 4–4 Al Ahly 

Tuesday, June 24

• Auckland City 1–1 Boca Juniors

• Benfica 1–0 Bayern Munich

• Espérance de Tunis 0–3 Chelsea

• LAFC 1–1 Flamengo 

Wednesday, June 25

• Borussia Dortmund 1–0 Ulsan Hyundai

• Mamelodi Sundowns 0–0 Fluminense

• Inter Milan 2–0 River Plate

• Monterrey 4–0 Urawa Reds

Thursday, June 26

• Juventus 2–5 Manchester City

• Wydad AC 1–2 Al Ain

• Al-Hilal 2–0 Pachuca

• RB Salzburg 0–3 Real Madrid 

Knockout Stage

Round of 16 (June 28–July 1)

• Sat, June 28 – 12:00 p.m. ET
  Palmeiras vs. Botafogo

• Sat, June 28 – 4:00 p.m. ET
  Benfica vs. Chelsea

• Sun, June 29 – 12:00 p.m. ET
  PSG vs. Inter Miami

• Sun, June 29 – 4:00 p.m. ET
  Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich

• Mon, June 30 – 3:00 p.m. ET
  Inter Milan vs. Fluminense

• Mon, June 30 – 9:00 p.m. ET
  Manchester City vs. Al Hilal

• Tue, July 1 – 3:00 p.m. ET
  Real Madrid vs. Juventus

• Tue, July 1 – 9:00 p.m. ET
  Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey 

Quarterfinals (July 4–5)

• Fri, July 4 – 3:00 p.m. ET
  Round of 16 (1 winner) vs. Round of 16 (2 winner)

• Fri, July 4 – 9:00 p.m. ET

• Sat, July 5 – 12:00 p.m. ET

• Sat, July 5 – 4:00 p.m. ET 

Semifinals (July 8–9)

• Tue, July 8 – 3:00 p.m. ET
  Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF2

• Wed, July 9 – 3:00 p.m. ET
  Winner QF3 vs. Winner QF4

Final

• Sun, July 13 – 3:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Conclusion: Football’s Financial Heavyweights Take Center Stage

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is more than just a contest of clubs—it's a convergence of footballing brilliance and financial might. The tournament showcases not only the skills of global superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., and Harry Kane but also their dominance off the pitch as some of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

These players represent a new era in football, where athletic excellence is amplified by smart brand building, global endorsements, and long-term commercial strategy. Whether it’s Messi’s transformation of Inter Miami into a billion-dollar brand, Mbappé’s headline-making move to Real Madrid, or Kane’s unique partnership with Skechers, each of these stars demonstrates that football today is a multi-dimensional game—equal parts sport, business, and influence.

As fans watch the Club World Cup for the drama and goals, it’s worth noting that these elite players are also shaping the economics of the sport. Their journeys reflect not just their on-field success, but their ability to turn personal brands into global empires.