Footballers’ earnings have skyrocketed in recent years, with top players securing substantial incomes from both club contracts and lucrative sponsorship deals.
For investors, these sponsorship affiliations present unique opportunities to engage with prominent global brands and potentially generate some extra income.
The Six Highest-Paid Footballers in 2024
According to the BBC’s 2024 rankings, here are six of the highest-paid footballers
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Total earnings: £218 million
- Club: Al-Nassr
- Major sponsors: Nike, TAG Heuer, Armani, Binance
- Lionel Messi
- Total earnings: £103 million
- Club: Inter Miami
- Major sponsors: Adidas, PepsiCo, Budweiser
- Neymar Jr.
- Total earnings: £84 million
- Club: Al-Hilal
- Major sponsors: Nike, Hublot
- Karim Benzema
- Total earnings: £79 million
- Club: Al-Ittihad
- Major sponsors: Adidas, Michael Kors
- Kylian Mbappé
- Total earnings: £54 million
- Club: Real Madrid
- Major sponsors: Nike, Dior
- Erling Haaland
- Total earnings: £46 million
- Club: Manchester City
- Major sponsors: Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, TAG Heuer
The Role of Sponsorships in Footballers’ Earnings
Endorsement deals play a pivotal role in augmenting footballers’ incomes, often surpassing their on-field earnings. These partnerships not only provide financial benefits but also enhance players’ global brand image.
Sponsorships are also influential in individual football clubs’ routes to success. The money generated by star footballers goes towards developing new football kits, funding opportunities for grassroots football opportunities and just generally encouraging wider participation in the sport.
Profiles of Major Sponsors
Sponsorship come in all shapes and form but some of the main companies endorsing these footballers are industry giants with substantial market influence:
- Nike, Inc. (NKE)
Nike is a leading sportswear brand and is one of most significant players in football sponsorship. In 2024, Nike reported fiscal revenues of more than $51 billion, reflecting its robust market position.
- Adidas AG (ADS)
Adidas has a storied history in football and is the world leader in football sponsorship. This German multinational saw a 10% increase in currency-neutral revenues in 2024, reaching over €17 billion and driven by popular retro-style sneakers.
- PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP)
A global food and beverage leader, PepsiCo has long-standing sponsorship agreements with the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and other prominent tournaments. According to the company’s latest reports, the company’s current revenue is £72.14 billion.
Investment Opportunities in Sponsor Companies
Individual investors can tap into the success of these sponsor companies through direct stock purchasesand contracts for difference (CFDs).
With direct stock purchases, investors can buy shares of these publicly traded companies via brokerage accounts. CFDs are suited to those interested in flexible trading options as they allow investors to speculate on the price movements of sponsor companies without owning the underlying shares.
This method enables potential gains from both rising and falling markets but comes with increased risk.
