From Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi! 10 biggest contracts in football history

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jun 27, 2025, 16:14 IST

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Cristiano Ronaldo's contract extension with Al Nassr until 2027 solidifies his pivotal role in the Saudi Pro League. With an impressive record of 93 goals in 105 appearances, his influence extends beyond the field. This deal reaffirms his status as one of the world's highest-paid footballers, topping the list with an astounding £170.

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi! 10 biggest contracts in football history

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi (AP Photos)

In modern football, elite players are commanding record-breaking salaries, driven by global demand, commercial influence, and the rise of high-paying leagues like Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his stay with Al Nassr until 2027, ending widespread speculation about his future. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who joined the Saudi Arabian club in late 2022 after leaving Manchester United, has quickly become the face of the Saudi Pro League revolution. With 93 goals in 105 appearances, his impact on and off the pitch has been immense. Ronaldo announced the news via social media, vowing to "make history together," while Al Nassr confirmed the deal shortly after. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!His new contract reinforces his position as one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.Here are the ten most lucrative contracts ever signed:10. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (2023–2025)

Weekly wage: £750,000
Annual salary: £15.6 million

9. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (2022–2027)

Weekly wage: £850,000 (with bonuses)
Annual salary: £44.2 million

8. Riyad Mahrez – Al-Ahli (2023–2027)

Weekly wage: £854,985
Annual salary: £44.5 million

7. Neymar – PSG (2021–2025)

Weekly wage: £923,112
Annual salary: £48 million

6. Cristiano Ronaldo – Juventus (2018–2022)

Weekly wage: £940,320
Annual salary: £48.9 million

5. Lionel Messi – Barcelona (2017–2021)

Weekly wage: £1,162,911
Annual salary: £60.5 million

4. Kylian Mbappé – PSG (2022–2025)

Weekly wage: £1,179,290
Annual salary: £61.3 million

3. Neymar – Al Hilal (2023–2025)

Weekly wage: £1,637,903
Annual salary: £85.2 million

2. Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad (2023–2026)

Weekly wage: £1,637,903
Annual salary: £85.2 million

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr (2023–2025)

Weekly wage: £3,275,806
Annual salary: £170.3 million

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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