The 2026 World Cup will showcase some of the world’s most talented footballers, but a few of them also stand out for their massive earnings. According to a recent report by Sportico, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are the top two highest-paid players participating in the tournament, with Ronaldo leading the pack.
Ronaldo’s estimated pre-tax earnings over the past year amount to a staggering $295 million. His on-field income, which includes his contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr, accounts for $230 million of this total. He joined Al-Nassr in 2023 and renewed his contract for two more years, securing a lucrative deal that is reportedly supplemented by commercial agreements. Off the field, endorsements from partners like Nike and Herbalife add another $65 million to his annual earnings.
Messi follows with $140 million, split evenly between on-field ($70 million) and off-field ($70 million) income. The Argentine star’s off-field earnings are bolstered by his partnership with brands such as Adidas and his involvement with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Other notable players on the list include France’s Kylian Mbappe, who earns a total of $100 million, and Norway’s Erling Haaland with $80 million. Brazil’s Vinicius Junior is fifth at $60 million, while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah ($55 million), Senegal’s Sadio Mane ($54 million), Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez ($53 million), England’s Jude Bellingham ($44 million), Spain’s Lamine Yamal ($43 million), and England’s Harry Kane ($42 million) round out the top 11.
This group of players represents some of the biggest names in football, and their earnings reflect their status as global superstars both on and off the pitch.