World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Messi lead list of highest-paid players [Top 11]

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina skipper, Lionel Messi, are leading the list of highest-paid players at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo is number one on the list with estimated pre-tax and pre-agent fee earnings of $295 million over the past 12 months, according to Sportico.

This primarily comes from his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The Portugal forward joined Al-Nassr in 2023, earning approximately $230 million on-field in the past season after renewing a two-year contract with the club.

It is widely believed that Ronaldo’s contract arrangement is subsidized by commercial agreements endorsed by the club.

The 41-year-old also earns approximately $65 million annually from a range of partners, including Nike and Herbalife.

Here is the list of the highest-earning players that would be competing at the 2026 World Cup:

1. Ronaldo: $295 million (On-field earnings: $230 million; Off-field earnings: $65 million)

2. Messi: $140 million (On-field earnings: $70 million; Off-field earnings: $70 million)

3. Mbappe: $100 million (On-field earnings: $70 million; Off-field earnings: $30 million)

4. Haaland: $80 million (On-field earnings: $60 million; Off-field earnings: $20 million)

5. Vinicius: $60 million (On-field earnings: $40 million; Off-field earnings: $20 million)

6. Salah: $55 million (On-field earnings: $35 million; Off-field earnings: $20 million)

7. Sadio Mane: $54 million (On-field earnings: $50 million; Off-field earnings: $4 million)

8. Mahrez: $53 million (On-field earnings: $52 million; Off-field earnings: $1 million)

9. Bellingham: $44 million (On-field earnings: $29 million; Off-field earnings)

10. Yamal: $43 million (On-field earnings: $33 million; Off-field earnings: $10 million)

11. Kane: $42 million (On-field earnings: $30 million; Off-field earnings: $12 million)

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Messi lead list of highest-paid players [Top 11]