Kevin de Bruyne Ranks Among the World’s Highest-Paid Footballers
In a recent revelation by Forbes, Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne has secured his spot as one of the top 10 highest-paid footballers globally for 2024. This achievement underscores the Belgian midfielder’s remarkable journey since his move from Wolfsburg to the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne has consistently silenced skeptics throughout his tenure at City, amassing an impressive trophy cabinet that includes six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. On an individual level, he has also clinched the prestigious PFA Player of the Season award twice.
As he approaches the final months of his contract, which expires at the end of the season, De Bruyne’s legacy as a club legend seems secure. Forbes’ report highlights that he ranks as the 10th highest earner in football, with an impressive total income of approximately $39 million (£30 million). Of this, around $35 million stems from his performance on the pitch, while endorsements from brands like Nike and McDonald’s contribute an additional $4 million.
Interest from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window hinted at a potential move, but City manager Pep Guardiola quashed those rumors, confirming De Bruyne’s commitment to the club. He stated, “Kevin is not going. If someone leaves, we’re going to talk about that.”
Guardiola also expressed confidence in maintaining the current squad, noting, “I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there.”
Forbes’ rankings consider salaries, bonuses, and image rights from various databases, while endorsements and personal business ventures also factor into their calculations. Topping the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, with a staggering $285 million (£219 million), followed by Lionel Messi ($135 million, £103 million), Neymar ($110 million, £84 million), Karim Benzema ($104 million, £80 million), and Kylian Mbappe ($90 million, £69 million).
