The 5 Highest-Paid Soccer Players in the World in 2023

5. Karim Benzema - Al Ittihad, $106 Million

Benzema rounds out the list as our third Saudi player as a member of Al Ittihad. Known as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Benzema remains a lethal frontman at 35 years old and has proven so with his new club. In seven matches this season, he has found the net three times while also dishing out a pair of assists. He's still got that goal scoring quality in his boots, and it's exciting to see him continue his prowess atop of the Al Ittihad attack.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo - Al Nassr, $260 Million

Nearly lapping the field in annual salary, Ronaldo fled the European leagues after getting this handsome paycheck thrown his way by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in December 2022. It's paid dividends for Al Nassr, as Ronaldo has bagged 24 goals in 24 appearances and has brought loads of international publicity to the club. The man is much bigger than the club here, and he continues to provide high-level performances, even at 38 years old.

2. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami, $135 Million

Similar to his career-long rival Ronaldo, Messi is in a spot where he is far bigger than his club. In just its fourth season of existence, Inter Miami is undeniably the most-covered club in the MLS. Before the Argentinian's arrival, Inter Miami sat bottom of the table and was the laughingstock of the league. Sprinkle Messi into the team, and you get a revived fanbase, international coverage, and a Leagues Cup. The club will be missing out on the playoffs with Messi sidelined for the remainder of the season, but it feels like a match made in heaven.

3. Neymar Jr. -  Al Hilal, $112 Million

Neymar is among the group of international superstars to make the move to Saudi Arabia, a move that has consistently shattered annual salary records in the sport. Even at just 31 years old, the money has driven one of the sport's top talents in his prime to their league for a whopping $112 million salary. While its unknown as to whether the Brazilian will ever return to play in Europe, he is amid a title race as Al Hilal sit atop the Saudi Pro League table.

4. Kylian Mbappe - PSG, $110 Million

Mbappe is the lone player on this list who plays in Europe, as PSG dishes out a whopping $110 million to the Frenchman each year. It's well-deserved for the 24-year-old who has already achieved so much in his young career. League titles, a plethora of individual trophies, and a World Cup are just a few of the achievements Mbappe has already accrued, and he's got plenty left in the tank to push for more in the long-term future. If a club wants to take him away from PSG, it will take a gargantuan fee to make the move a reality.

5. Karim Benzema - Al Ittihad, $106 Million

Benzema rounds out the list as our third Saudi player as a member of Al Ittihad. Known as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Benzema remains a lethal frontman at 35 years old and has proven so with his new club. In seven matches this season, he has found the net three times while also dishing out a pair of assists. He's still got that goal scoring quality in his boots, and it's exciting to see him continue his prowess atop of the Al Ittihad attack.