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Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi 2025

Ronaldo doubles Messi’s earnings to top highest-paid chart

Sportico have released their annual highest-paid athletes list, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top of that chart. The Portuguese GOAT earned double what eternal rival Lionel Messi pulled in over the course of 2025, with the Al-Nassr forward making $260 million (£194m). There are 13 football players in the top 100, with Brazilian icon Neymar tumbling down the standings.

GFX Lennart Karl Lionel Messi

Karl to Barca?! Bayern star wears Messi shinpads despite Madrid 'dream'

Bayern Munich’s teenage sensation Lennart Karl has left fans baffled and amused after a video surfaced showing him wearing custom shinpads adorned with an image of Lionel Messi. The 17-year-old, who recently sparked controversy by publicly declaring his desire to play for Real Madrid, seems to have forgotten the fierce rivalry between his "dream" club and the Barcelona legend he apparently idolises.

Mohamed Salah Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2026

Salah hits goal milestone quicker than Messi & Ronaldo

Mohamed Salah has reached an international goal milestone quicker than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Liverpool superstar is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. He has helped to fire them into the semi-finals of that competition. During a last-eight showdown with the Ivory Coast, Salah found the target and reached 100 goal contributions for his country.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

‘Until he retires’ - Why Messi will remain ‘best in the world’

Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi Argentina 2025

World Cup decision? What Messi discussed in private meeting

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admits to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, with the topics of discussion during that chat being revealed. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. Having captured a global crown at Qatar 2022, the intention is to go back-to-back in 2026. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid.

Jude Bellingham Lamine Yamal adidas Predator F50

Bellingham vs Yamal: adidas launches Predator vs F50 battle

Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.

Red Carpet - 2023 Laureus World Sport Awards Paris

Messi admits he's 'weirder than sh*t' in revealing interview

Lionel Messi has admitted he is "weirder than sh*t" in a revealing interview about his private life and previously getting therapy. The Inter Miami star, who has tended to stay away from the limelight and do his talking on the pitch, has spoken about what home life is like with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and why he sought help for his mental health at Barcelona.

Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo 2025-26

Yamal told ‘real hurdle’ he must clear to emulate Messi & CR7

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of the “real hurdle” that he needs to clear in order to scale the same heights as all-time greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The talented teenager is already a global superstar, but a Champions League-winning former Manchester United striker has told the youngster that he must avoid off-field distractions in order for legend-making longevity to be enjoyed.

Frequently asked questions

Lamine Yamal plays as a right winger as he is a left-footed player who cuts in from the flank, although he is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, too. He is a prolific creator and also possesses a keen eye for goal.

Lamine Yamal was born in Esplugues de Llobregat, a municipality in the Barcelona metropolitan area, in Spain.

Lamine Yamal currently wears the No. 19 jersey at Barcelona, which was worn by his idol Lionel Messi between 2005 and 2008.

Lamine Yamal stands at 1.78m (5ft 10in). He loves taking on his opponents and is mature beyond his years, even though he's just 17.

The record-breaking Lamine Yamal weighs 66kg (145 lbs).

Lamine Yamal spent two years at local club La Torreta, before being scouted being Barcelona in 2014. The teenage sensation then joined the Catalans as a seven-year old and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut in the 2022-23 season.

No, Lamine Yamal does not have any children.

Lamine Yamal went public with influencer girlfriend Alex Padilla as recently as the Euro 2024 final, but the duo have since unfollowed each other on Instagram after the latter was spotted sitting on someone's lap during a livestreamed video, which went viral.