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The Digest:

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, at just 18, has shattered a 22-year record by becoming the youngest footballer to enter Forbes' list of the top 10 highest-paid athletes. His expected earnings of $43 million place him among the sport's financial elite, a domain still commanded by Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo, whose $280 million projection underscores the vast, evolving landscape of football's economy.

Key Points:
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) leads the list with total earnings of $280 million.
  • Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) follows in second place with $130 million.
  • Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) holds the third position, earning $104 million.
  • Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City) round out the top five.
  • Vinícius Júnior ($60m) and Mohamed Salah ($55m) rank sixth and seventh.
  • Sadio Mané ($54m) and Jude Bellingham ($44m) precede the list's newest entry.
  • Lamine Yamal completes the top ten with expected earnings of $43 million.
This financial snapshot reveals a sport where generational talent can immediately reap historic rewards, yet established global icons continue to define its upper echelon.

Sources: Forbes