#12 — Kalidou Koulibaly: $90 million
Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal / Al-Hilal) was one of the best-paid defenders in Italy at Napoli, passed through Chelsea, but his real financial leap came in Saudi Arabia: more than $110 million in pure, tax-free cash over three seasons. For a defender, it's an extraordinary financial result.
#9 — Haaland, Son, and Mané: $100 million
The nine-figure club starts here, with three tied at $100 million. Erling Haaland (Norway / Manchester City), still young, with an unparalleled earnings trajectory and the potential to reach near the top someday. Son Heung-min (South Korea / LAFC), one of the richest Asian players in soccer history, with enormous commercial appeal in Asia. And Sadio Mané (Senegal / Al-Nassr), with one of the biggest salaries ever paid to an African athlete.
Top 8 coming up. And #1 isn't even close.
#8 — Riyad Mahrez: $125 million
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria / Al-Ahli) pulled off one of the greatest financial climbs in modern soccer: from the French fourth division to Leicester's miracle title, then Manchester City and, finally, the big Saudi contract at Al-Ahli — a huge tax-free salary built on a decade of English earnings.
#7 — Kevin De Bruyne: $130 million
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Manchester City) was one of the best-paid and most productive midfielders of the Premier League era. More than a decade of elite salary at City, plus bonuses, sponsorships, and investments — including stakes tied to technology and data ventures.
Top 7. Now the monsters.