Forbes Lists Ronaldo Highest-Paid at 2026 World Cup, Messi Second

Cristiano Ronaldo earned an estimated $300 million in the 12 months prior to June 2026, placing him first among players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, @Forbes reported. The 41-year-old Portugal captain recorded $235 million in on-field pay and $65 million off the field, bringing his net worth to $1.2 billion.

Lionel Messi ranked second with $140 million, split evenly between on-field and off-field sources, for a net worth of $1.1 billion.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain turns 39 on June 24. Kylian Mbappé placed third at $95 million, followed by Erling Haaland at $80 million, Vinicius Jr. at $60 million, Mohamed Salah at $55 million, Sadio Mané at $54 million, Jude Bellingham at $44 million, Lamine Yamal at $43 million, Harry Kane at $41 million and Neymar at $38 million.

The 2026 tournament marks the first with 48 teams in its 96-year history and the first hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 16 cities. Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title in May 2026. Messi appears in new campaigns for Adidas and Michelob Ultra.

Mbappé signed a wellness deal with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and joined health insurer Alan as ambassador and investor. Haaland extended his Manchester City contract in 2025. Salah agreed in March 2026 to end his Liverpool contract early.

Yamal signed with American Eagle in January 2026. Kane scored in England’s warm-up match against New Zealand this month. Neymar will wear Brazil’s No. 10 jersey for a fourth World Cup. All figures were converted to U.S.

Dollars using May 2026 exchange rates and rounded to the nearest million.