Cristiano Ronaldo tops highest earners list for 2026 World Cup, Forbes estimates show

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a Forbes report has revealed the tournament's highest-paid players, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the field at an estimated $280 million annually. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward, playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, tops a list that includes Lionel Messi ($135 million), Kylian Mbappé ($95 million), and Erling Haaland ($80 million). The figures combine salary, bonuses, and endorsements, highlighting the influence of Saudi Arabian club investments and global commercial partnerships.

The list highlights a shift in soccer's financial landscape, with several top earners now based in Saudi Arabia rather than Europe's traditional leagues. Ronaldo's earnings are bolstered by his Al Nassr contract, while Messi continues to generate income through Inter Miami, Adidas, Apple, and other commercial deals. The report also notes that endorsement values can fluctuate rapidly, especially in a World Cup year.

The 2026 tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a diverse field of 48 qualified nations, including powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain, and Germany, as well as debutants and surprise qualifiers such as Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Cabo Verde. Stars like Mohamed Salah ($55 million), Sadio Mané ($52 million), Jude Bellingham ($50 million), Lamine Yamal ($40 million), and Achraf Hakimi ($35 million) round out the top ten earners.

Karim Benzema, who could earn around $104 million, was not included in the top ten due to uncertainty over his qualification with France. The tournament may mark the final World Cup appearance for legends Ronaldo and Messi, while younger talents like Mbappé, Haaland, Bellingham, and Yamal are poised to lead the next era of the sport. The financial power of these players underscores the growing commercialization of soccer, with sponsorship, streaming, and social media deals playing a major role in their earnings.