Football — or, as we like to say in the U.S.A., soccer — stars are amongst the highest-paid players in professional sports, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé raking in millions and even billions.
Who Has the Money
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the highest-paid player.
He boasts estimated annual earnings of $300 million and earns more than twice as much as the next-highest-paid player, according to Sports Illustrated.
Ronaldo has claimed the title of the world’s highest-paid athlete for the fourth consecutive year and has surpassed $2 billion in career earnings while still active.
Playing in his sixth World Cup at age 41, the forward holds an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion with a business portfolio that includes the CR7 brand, hotels, gyms, and a hair-health company.
Ronaldo was not included in the Twenty First Group valuation rankings or analysis.
Lionel Messi ranks as the second-highest-paid player at the tournament. His estimated annual earnings reach $140 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
Messi stands as the third-highest-paid athlete in the world and continues to earn massive income through Inter Miami and endorsements.
The Argentine has recorded roughly $70 million on-field and $70 million off-field income while owning hotels, an energy drink company, a production company, and maintaining global endorsement deals with an estimated $1.2 billion net worth, Business Insider reported.
Messi opened the World Cup with a hat trick versus Algeria, followed by two goals versus Austria and another against Jordan while being excluded from the world’s 200 most valuable players because the valuation model favors youth. The result was Argentina 3-0 Algeria.
Kylian Mbappé holds the position of third-highest-paid player with estimated annual earnings of $95 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Frenchman pairs an elite salary with one of football’s strongest endorsement portfolios, Forbes reported.
Mbappé has expanded into investments including sports ownership and blockchain gaming. Ranked No. 2 most valuable player with an estimated value of £182.8 million (about $242 million), he scored four goals during the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, netting two against Senegal on June 16 and two against Iraq on June 22.
Erling Haaland appears as the fourth-highest-paid player.
His estimated annual earnings total $80 million, according to Sports Illustrated. The striker combines one of football’s largest salaries with growing endorsement income, Forbes reported.
He invests in chess events and other business ventures, Business Insider reported.
Ranked the world’s third-most valuable player at an estimated £163.9 million (about $217 million), Haaland scored four goals in Norway’s first two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 16 and June 22 before being rested for the team’s group-stage finale against France on June 26.
Vinícius Júnior ranks fifth-highest-paid with estimated annual earnings of $60 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Brazilian earns through his Real Madrid salary plus endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, Visa and Gatorade. Júnior owns a stake in a professional soccer club.
Mohamed Salah stands as the sixth-highest-paid player with estimated annual earnings of $55 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
His earnings are driven by his Liverpool salary and major endorsements. He is listed among the tournament’s highest-paid players. He is ranked 143rd in global player value at age 34 as the oldest player in the world’s top 200 valuations, The Athletic reported.
Sadio Mané is the seventh-highest-paid player. His estimated annual earnings reach $54 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Senegalese benefits from Saudi Pro League salary and endorsements that keep him among football’s highest earners, Forbes reported. Mané highlights continued financial success despite leaving European football.
Jude Bellingham ranks eighth-highest-paid with estimated annual earnings of $44 million according to Sports Illustrated. As one of football’s fastest-rising commercial stars, Bellingham continues to grow his endorsement profile alongside his Real Madrid career.
Ranked No. 5 most valuable player and one of six England players in the world’s Top 50.
Lamine Yamal is the ninth-highest-paid player with estimated annual earnings of $43 million, according to Sports Illustrated. The youngster is player among the top earners with rapidly growing commercial appeal, with Yamal is already among football’s biggest endorsement stars despite his age, Business Insider reported.
Harry Kane completes the top 10 as the tenth-highest-paid player with estimated annual earnings of $41 million, according to Sports Illustrated.
The forward continues earning through Bayern Munich and major sponsorships, Forbes reported. Kane remains among football’s highest-paid stars because of elite salary and endorsements, Business Insider reported.
Ranked 35th in global player value, he scored twice in England’s opener on June 20 and once against Panama on June 27.
