Erling Haaland is not only dominating the Premier League on the pitch, but he’s also leading the financial game. The Manchester City striker has been named the highest-earning player in the Premier League, raking in an impressive £46 million annually, according to Forbes . Of that total, £10.7 million comes from lucrative sponsorship deals, and with two more years left on his five-year contract, those figures could climb even higher if he signs a new deal with City.
Though Haaland’s earnings are staggering, he only ranks sixth on the global list, trailing some of football’s biggest names. Topping the list is Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, whose £219 million yearly income is largely driven by his club salary of £169 million, with the rest coming from endorsements. Following closely is Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, banking £103.8 million annually, more than half of which comes from off-field ventures.
Other top earners outside Europe include Neymar of Al Hilal, bringing in £84.6 million, and Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad with £80 million. Kylian Mbappe rounds out the top five as Europe’s highest-paid footballer with an income of £69 million—50% more than Haaland’s current deal. Haaland’s City teammate, Kevin De Bruyne, also makes the top 10, with £30 million per year, primarily from his City contract.
De Bruyne was rumored to have been offered a massive three-year deal worth £156 million by Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad over the summer, though he stayed at City. His contract is set to expire next summer, and Saudi interest could resurface as he approaches 34 years old.
Meanwhile, Haaland’s future remains a hot topic. Persistent speculation links him with a potential move to Real Madrid, fueled by rumors of a £175 million release clause in his current contract. However, a new deal with City could remove that clause entirely.
When asked about his future, Haaland was tight-lipped, stating, “I’ve had two fantastic years, and have three years left. That’s really all I can say.” His father, Alfie Haaland, hinted at the possibility of his son testing his skills in multiple leagues, saying in a 2022 documentary, “I think Erling wants to prove his abilities in all leagues. He could be, for example, two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half years in England, and then in Spain, Italy, or France.”
With the way things are going, Haaland’s next move, whether on the field or off it, will undoubtedly keep the football world talking.
