From Ronaldo to Yamal: Meet the highest-paid players at FIFA World Cup 2026
A record-breaking tournament brings together football’s richest names
DUBAI – The 2026 FIFA World Cup is making history in several ways, with a record 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico in the first tournament hosted by three nations.
As football’s biggest stage expands, the event also features two of the sport’s wealthiest stars, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi becoming the first billionaire footballers to compete at a World Cup.
According to Forbes estimates, the 11 highest-paid players heading into the tournament have collectively earned around $950 million over the past 12 months through salaries, bonuses, endorsements and commercial partnerships. The figures are converted into US dollars using exchange rates from May and rounded to the nearest $1 million.
Here are the players leading football’s earnings rankings at the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Total earnings: $300 million
On-field: $235 million | Off-field: $65 million
Age: 41
Cristiano Ronaldo remains football’s biggest earner and the highest-paid athlete across all sports for the fourth consecutive year. The Portugal captain’s estimated $300 million income matches the biggest annual earnings ever recorded by an athlete by Forbes, alongside boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Ronaldo has also become the first active footballer to surpass $2 billion in career earnings and has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. Entering his sixth World Cup, the Al-Nassr forward continues his pursuit of the only major trophy missing from his international collection. He recently helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Total earnings: $140 million
On-field: $70 million | Off-field: $70 million
Age: 38
Argentina captain Lionel Messi joins Ronaldo among football’s billionaire stars, with his net worth estimated at $1.1 billion. The Inter Miami forward is also making his sixth World Cup appearance, matching Ronaldo’s record.
As Argentina attempt to defend their title, Messi will look to add more records to his legendary career. Four more goals at the tournament would take him beyond Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.
Off the pitch, Messi remains one of the world’s most marketable athletes, featuring in major campaigns for brands including Adidas and Michelob Ultra.
Kylian Mbappé, France
Total earnings: $95 million
On-field: $70 million | Off-field: $25 million
Age: 27
Mbappé enters the tournament as one of football’s most dangerous attacking players. The France forward already has a World Cup title after winning the 2018 edition as a teenager and reached another final in 2022.
After becoming the Champions League’s top scorer during the 2025-26 season with Real Madrid, Mbappé remains among football’s most valuable commercial names. His recent partnerships include Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and health insurer Alan.
Erling Haaland, Norway
Total earnings: $80 million
On-field: $60 million | Off-field: $20 million
Age: 25
Haaland leads Norway into its first World Cup since 1998, with the Manchester City striker expected to carry much of his nation’s attacking responsibility.
The 25-year-old signed a major contract extension with Manchester City last year and continues to attract interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. Known for his goalscoring record and physical style, Haaland heads into the tournament embracing the pressure of expectations.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil
Total earnings: $60 million
On-field: $40 million | Off-field: $20 million
Age: 25
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. is among Brazil’s leading attacking talents as the five-time world champions aim to end a long wait for another World Cup triumph.
The forward has remained cautious about Brazil’s chances, naming Argentina, Portugal, Spain and France among the leading contenders. His growing global profile has also strengthened his commercial appeal, including his partnership with Nike.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
Total earnings: $55 million
On-field: $35 million | Off-field: $20 million
Age: 33
Mohamed Salah enters the tournament after a successful nine-year spell with Liverpool, where he scored 257 goals and won two Premier League titles.
The Egypt winger leads his country into its fourth World Cup appearance as the Pharaohs look for their first-ever World Cup match victory. Salah’s influence extends beyond football, with the forward widely recognised as one of the most influential Arab sporting figures.
Sadio Mané, Senegal
Total earnings: $54 million
On-field: $50 million | Off-field: $4 million
Age: 34
Senegal forward Sadio Mané arrives at the World Cup after helping Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title alongside Ronaldo.
The 34-year-old missed the 2022 tournament because of injury but returns as one of Senegal’s most experienced players. A strong campaign could help Senegal chase another deep World Cup run after reaching the quarter-finals in 2002.
Jude Bellingham, England
Total earnings: $44 million
On-field: $29 million | Off-field: $15 million
Age: 22
Jude Bellingham has quickly become one of England’s biggest football stars. The Real Madrid midfielder played a key role at the 2022 World Cup, scoring against Iran and assisting in the knockout stages.
His performances helped secure a move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid for more than $100 million, one of football’s biggest transfer fees.
Lamine Yamal, Spain
Total earnings: $43 million
On-field: $33 million | Off-field: $10 million
Age: 18
At just 18, Lamine Yamal is the youngest player on the list and already one of football’s most recognisable names.
The Barcelona winger became a key figure in Spain’s attack and has attracted major commercial partnerships with brands including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Powerade and Visa.
Harry Kane, England
Total earnings: $41 million
On-field: $29 million | Off-field: $12 million
Age: 32
Harry Kane arrives as England’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals in 113 appearances.
The Bayern Munich striker aims to help England improve on recent tournament performances after reaching the 2024 European Championship final. His goalscoring form has continued, with Kane among the world’s top scorers across club and international football in 2026.
Neymar, Brazil
Total earnings: $38 million
On-field: $10 million | Off-field: $28 million
Age: 34
Neymar completes the list despite battling injury concerns ahead of the tournament. The Santos forward remains one of Brazil’s biggest football icons and will wear the famous No. 10 shirt at his fourth World Cup.
The number has previously been worn by Brazilian legends including Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká, adding further significance to Neymar’s return to the global stage.