Top 5 Highest-Paid Players at the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to feature some of the biggest stars in the footballing world, with some legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi possibly making their final appearance in this world cup.
Many of these players have already been making millions, even before the tournament starts. Here is a list of the top 5 highest-paid players at the FIFA 2026 World Cup and their earnings over the past year.
Ronaldo has also had a marvellous season with Al- Nassr and led the side to their 11th Saudi Pro League title. His 28 goal season helped him come closer to 1000 goal mark.
The Argentine's business ventures have also gained attention in recent years. Messi's family operates a lower-tier club in Argentina called Leones de Rosario. He also has the option to take an ownership stake in Inter Miami, his MLS club, once he retires.
Beyond football, Haaland has also shown interest in chess-related business ventures which have contributed to his estimated earnings of $80 million.
Several top players are missing out on the high-stakes tournament. Brazil's Rodrigo and Joao Pedro, England's Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire, and Poland's Robert Lewandowski are among the big names who won't be seen at the marquee tournament.
Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori will also sit out the World Cup. Both Poland and Italy failed to make it to the top tournament.
Many of these players have already been making millions, even before the tournament starts. Here is a list of the top 5 highest-paid players at the FIFA 2026 World Cup and their earnings over the past year.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo — $295 Million
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list of the highest paid footballers at the FIFA World Cup. The striker is widely regarded as one of the best players football has ever seen.Ronaldo has also had a marvellous season with Al- Nassr and led the side to their 11th Saudi Pro League title. His 28 goal season helped him come closer to 1000 goal mark.
2. Lionel Messi — $140 Million
The Argentinian forward has amassed a large fortune of $140 Million which has helped him become the second highest paid footballer in the world currently.The Argentine's business ventures have also gained attention in recent years. Messi's family operates a lower-tier club in Argentina called Leones de Rosario. He also has the option to take an ownership stake in Inter Miami, his MLS club, once he retires.
3. Kylian Mbappé — $100 Million
France's talisman Kylian Mbappé is one of the most marketable stars in sports and this is most visible in his networth. He has amassed a large sum of $100 million which has made him the third richest active footballer4. Erling Haaland — $80 Million
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has transformed Norway into a genuine international contender and with his marvelous footballing abilities came a marvelous net worth.Beyond football, Haaland has also shown interest in chess-related business ventures which have contributed to his estimated earnings of $80 million.
5. Vinícius Júnior — $60 Million
Real Madrid’s go-to player is also one of the most paid players currently in football and has quietly amassed a net worth of $60 million.Several top players are missing out on the high-stakes tournament. Brazil's Rodrigo and Joao Pedro, England's Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire, and Poland's Robert Lewandowski are among the big names who won't be seen at the marquee tournament.
Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori will also sit out the World Cup. Both Poland and Italy failed to make it to the top tournament.
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