While Lionel Messi earns 50 million at Inter Miami, Mbappé´s salary at Real Madrid

The world of football is obsessed with big money moves, and the salaries of its biggest stars are no exception. Two of the most talked-about players in the world, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, have recently had their contracts come under the spotlight, leading to a fascinating comparison of their earnings.

Messi, who made the move to Inter Miami in the MLS, is undoubtedly the league's highest-paid player. According to official MLS figures, he earns a base salary of $20 million per year. However, when factoring in endorsements and other deals, his total annual income is estimated to be a staggering $50 million.

Mbappé, on the other hand, is tied to a lucrative contract with Real Madrid. According to Diario Olé, the French superstar earns a gross salary of €26 million per year, which equates to around €15 million after taxes. However, the real money for Mbappé comes in the form of a signing-on fee. Reports suggest that Real Madrid paid a premium of over €100 million spread over the five years of his contract.

Breaking down the numbers

• Messi: Base salary of $20 million, total earnings estimated at $50 million.
• Mbappé: Gross salary of €26 million, net salary of approximately €15 million, plus a signing-on fee of over €100 million.

What do these figures tell us?

While Messi may have a higher annual income when factoring in endorsements, Mbappé's overall deal is worth significantly more. The French striker's signing-on fee is a huge chunk of his overall earnings, and it highlights the financial power of Real Madrid.

It's also worth noting that the two players operate in very different markets. The MLS is still developing, and salaries are generally lower than in Europe's top leagues. Messi's move to Miami was as much about lifestyle and legacy as it was about money. Mbappé, on the other hand, is still very much in his prime and is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

The bigger picture

The salaries of Messi and Mbappé are just a small part of the wider picture of football finances. The sport has become a global business, and the money involved is staggering. While it's easy to be dazzled by these huge numbers, it's important to remember that football is also about passion, skill, and the joy of the game.