Football fans around the world are always curious about the financial side of the sport, especially when it involves players like Neymar. His undeniable talent, flair, and marketability have placed him among the elites of the football world. But the question remains: Is Neymar the highest paid player?
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that Neymar’s salary tops the charts. After all, he is one of the most iconic and commercially successful footballers in the world. But to answer the question accurately, we need to take a deeper look at the numbers, contracts, endorsements, and other top players competing for the highest paychecks in football.
Neymar’s Move to PSG: A Record-Breaking Transfer
To understand Neymar’s financial status, we have to start with his historic transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). In 2017, PSG shocked the football world by paying €222 million to Barcelona, making it the most expensive transfer in football history. This move not only elevated Neymar’s profile but also cemented him as one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport. His contract with PSG was reported to be extremely lucrative, and it set a precedent for the kind of salaries top players could command.
Neymar reportedly signed a five-year contract worth a staggering €30 million annually after tax, which amounts to roughly €3 million a month. But that’s just the base salary from PSG. Neymar’s earnings also include hefty bonuses for goals scored, assists, and PSG’s achievements in domestic and European competitions. These incentives undoubtedly push his total earnings significantly higher than his base salary.
Comparisons With Other Top Players
Although Neymar’s salary is among the highest in football, several players are also competing for the title of the highest-paid player. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and more recently, Kylian Mbappé, are part of this conversation.
Lionel Messi, who joined PSG after leaving Barcelona in 2021, reportedly earns a similar amount as Neymar. His two-year contract was valued at €35 million per year, also post-tax. Although Messi’s base salary may be higher, it’s essential to consider Neymar’s other income sources, which add a considerable amount to his overall earnings.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently made headlines with his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has reportedly signed a contract worth around $200 million per year. Ronaldo’s deal includes both playing and ambassadorial roles, making it a unique financial package that dwarfs Neymar’s base salary at PSG.
Then, there’s Kylian Mbappé, Neymar’s teammate at PSG. Mbappé’s contract extension with PSG in 2022 was one of the most talked-about deals in football history. Reportedly, he is now the highest-paid footballer globally, with a contract that pays around €50 million annually. His deal also includes massive signing-on bonuses and other perks, putting him ahead of Neymar in terms of salary.
Neymar’s Endorsements and Sponsorships
While the salary Neymar receives from PSG is jaw-dropping, his income extends beyond the football pitch. Neymar is a global brand, and his endorsements reflect that status. He has long-standing deals with major brands such as Puma, Red Bull, and Qatar Airways, which significantly add to his overall earnings.
In 2020, Neymar switched from Nike to Puma, signing one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in sports history. The deal reportedly pays Neymar around $25 million annually, further boosting his income. His marketability and influence, especially on social media, make him one of the most valuable athletes for brands looking to reach a global audience.
Taking into account these endorsements, Neymar’s yearly earnings easily exceed $100 million, putting him in the same financial league as Messi and Ronaldo. His reach and influence, particularly among younger fans, have positioned him as an appealing figure for companies looking to engage with football’s global audience.
Comparing Neymar’s Overall Earnings to Other Athletes
While Neymar is undoubtedly one of the top earners in football, it’s worth examining how he stacks up against athletes from other sports. In recent years, Forbes has consistently ranked Neymar among the highest-paid athletes worldwide. In 2023, Neymar was listed among the top five highest-paid athletes globally, with total earnings exceeding $95 million, thanks to his salary, bonuses, and endorsements.
This puts him on par with athletes like LeBron James, who is one of the top earners in basketball, and Lewis Hamilton, a Formula 1 champion. However, some athletes, like boxer Canelo Álvarez or MMA fighter Conor McGregor, can surpass Neymar’s earnings in certain years, especially when they secure large payouts from individual fights or sponsorship deals.
Neymar’s Lifestyle: Where Does the Money Go?
Another aspect of Neymar’s immense wealth is his lavish lifestyle. He is known for enjoying the finer things in life, and his luxury assets are a testament to that. Neymar owns several high-end properties, including a mansion in Brazil and a luxurious apartment in Paris. He also boasts a collection of luxury cars, private jets, and even a helicopter with his initials.
Neymar’s love for fashion and designer brands is well-documented, and he often posts pictures on social media showcasing his luxurious outfits and accessories. Additionally, Neymar is known to enjoy a vibrant social life, often spotted at exclusive events and parties, sometimes alongside other celebrities and athletes.
While it’s easy to be dazzled by the glamorous side of Neymar’s life, it’s important to note that he also engages in philanthropic activities. Neymar’s charitable foundation, the Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr., aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children in his hometown of Praia Grande, Brazil. The foundation offers educational programs, sports activities, and social support to thousands of children and their families.
Future Earnings: Could Neymar Be the Highest Paid Player?
Looking ahead, could Neymar one day become the highest-paid footballer in the world? There’s certainly potential. While Kylian Mbappé currently holds that title, Neymar remains one of the most marketable athletes globally. If he were to secure a contract extension or transfer to a club willing to offer an even higher salary, Neymar could very well reclaim the top spot.
In recent years, Saudi Arabian and Qatari clubs have emerged as significant financial players in football, offering massive contracts to attract top talent. If Neymar were to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps and make a move to one of these clubs, his salary could skyrocket. Given his global brand and continued on-field performance, Neymar’s future earnings potential remains vast.
Conclusion
In summary, while Neymar is among the highest-paid footballers, he is not currently the highest-paid player. Kylian Mbappé’s monumental contract with PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo’s staggering earnings at Al-Nassr place them ahead of Neymar in terms of salary. However, Neymar’s combined income from salary and endorsements positions him as one of the top earners not only in football but in the world of sports as a whole.
Neymar’s immense popularity, marketability, and ability to command lucrative contracts ensure that he will remain a financial powerhouse in the football world for years to come. While he may not hold the title of the highest-paid player at this moment, Neymar’s place among the elite is secure. With the right moves, particularly in the latter stages of his career, he could very well climb back to the top of the earnings list. The world will be watching, and Neymar, as always, is sure to deliver.