As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this June, some of football’s biggest stars are taking the global stage — and they’re bringing jaw-dropping earnings with them. While Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be playing this time, five other superstar athletes heading into the tournament have earned a combined $381 million over the past year.
Leading the way is none other than Lionel Messi, forward for Inter Miami and one of the most decorated footballers in history. His club will face Egyptian champions Al Ahly in the opening match on June 14, officially launching the expanded 32-team tournament.
Lionel Messi: $135 Million in Total Earnings
At 37 years old, Messi is not just chasing another trophy — he’s also the highest-paid footballer at the tournament, with $135 million earned in the last 12 months. That includes:
$60 million from his Inter Miami salary and performance bonuses
$75 million from endorsements, brand deals, and other off-field ventures
Despite Inter Miami’s long odds — currently listed at 65-to-1 — Messi’s financial dominance shows he remains the face of global football.
Other Top Earners at the Tournament
Messi will be joined by several other global stars who’ve also earned eye-watering figures this past year:
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – $90 million
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $62 million
Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) – $55 million
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – $39 million
These five players alone brought in $381 million, proving that the Club World Cup isn’t just about football — it’s also a showcase of financial power.
New Format, Bigger Payouts
This year marks a major transformation for the Club World Cup. Previously a small seven-team competition, FIFA has now expanded the format to 32 teams, and it will be held every four years, similar to the international World Cup.
The prize pool has also skyrocketed:
Total Prize Money: $1 billion
Winner’s Share: $125 million
That’s a massive increase from 2023, when the winner took home just $5 million out of a $16 million total pot.
Players Won’t See All the Money
Despite the lucrative prize money, not all of it reaches the players. In Major League Soccer (MLS), rules state that only 50% of external tournament winnings are shared with players — and that’s capped at $1 million per team.
The MLS Players Association has protested this rule, but no changes have been made ahead of the tournament. In contrast, Real Madrid has promised to pay each of its players €1 million ($1.1 million) if they lift the trophy, according to Spanish sports outlet Marca.
Fatigue and Injury Concerns
While the money is big, players have raised concerns about an already overcrowded match calendar. Harry Kane, who earned $39 million this past year, warned that the demanding schedule may lead to more injuries. He stated:
> “There’s a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do… I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m totally honest.”
Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne, who earned $39 million but won’t be participating, voiced concerns about risking injury during such tournaments. He recently joined Napoli after leaving Manchester City.
Notable Absences from the Club World Cup
Some of the sport’s biggest stars will not be competing in this year’s tournament, including:
Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s highest-paid athlete ($275 million), whose club Al Nassr failed to qualify
Mohamed Salah, who earned $53 million, but whose club Liverpool missed out
Neymar, who earned $76 million but parted ways with Al Hilal earlier this year
Although these stars won’t feature, the tournament remains packed with talent, money, and prestige
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is not just a football tournament — it’s a financial spectacle showcasing the sport’s highest earners. While Lionel Messi leads the way on the earnings chart, other superstars like Mbappé, Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. are proving that elite football remains a lucrative business.
Whether you’re following for the sport or the salaries, this year’s edition is one to watch.