Here are the 10 highest-paid footballers at the 2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo is the number one!

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list of the highest-paid footballers at the 2026 World Cup. (photo: Instagram/@cristiano)

YOGYAKARTA - The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a special stage for footballers around the world. This 96-year-old tournament is for the first time attended by 48 teams and held in three countries at once: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Not only the number of teams has increased, this event also brings together many star players with billionaire status. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi, here is the complete list of footballers with the highest income at the 2026 World Cup according to Forbes.

List of the Highest-Earning Footballers at the 2026 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 300 Million Dollars

Cristiano Ronaldo again topped the list of the highest-paid footballers at the World Cup. The 41-year-old striker recorded a revenue of 300 million US dollars in the last 12 months.

Ronaldo's total income is equivalent to IDR 5.32 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 17,735 per USD). He is also the only active athlete who has collected more than 2 billion US dollars throughout his career. With a net worth of 1.2 billion US dollars, Ronaldo is in the club of active billionaires in the world.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) - $140 million

Lionel Messi is in second place as the highest-paid footballer at the 2026 World Cup. His income reaches 140 million US dollars or around Rp. 2.48 trillion.

Messi, who has just become a world billionaire according to Forbes, will play his sixth World Cup while trying to defend the title. He is also the main magnet for the tournament's marketing campaign with Adidas, Michelob Ultra, and other major brands.

Kylian Mbappé (France) - 95 Million Dollars

The 27-year-old French striker continues to climb as one of the highest-paid footballers at the World Cup. Mbappé, who won the world championship at the age of 19, is strengthening his endorsement portfolio ahead of the tournament.

Erling Haaland (Norway) - $80 million

Erling Haaland is in the spotlight for bringing Norway back to the World Cup after 28 years of absence. His big contract with Manchester City makes him rank 4th on the list of the highest-paid footballers at the 2026 World Cup.

Vinicius Jr. (Brazil) - $60 million

The Brazilian winger continues to rise. Vinicius Jr. is one of Brazil's mainstays who are trying to end the 24-year World Cup title drought.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) - $55 million

Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool after nine seasons and is ready to continue his career as a free transfer player. His performance at the 2026 World Cup is sure to attract the attention of many clubs.

Sadio Mané (Senegal) - $54 million

Despite being controversial with the cancellation of the African Cup of Nations title, Mané is still included in the list of the highest-paid footballers at the World Cup. He just won the Saudi Pro League title with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jude Bellingham (England) - $44 million

At the age of 23, Bellingham is already one of the most expensive and highest-paid players. Together with Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., he completes the Real Madrid trio on this list.

Lamine Yamal (Spain) - $43 million

The sensational 18-year-old is one of the highest-paid young stars. Yamal has signed a number of major sponsorship contracts despite suffering an injury.

Harry Kane (England) - $41 million

The England captain and Bayern Munich striker is the only player from the Bundesliga to make the list of the highest-paid footballers at the 2026 World Cup.

For additional information, the list of the highest-paid footballers in this World Cup is calculated based on the last 12 months of income (until May 2026). Income on the field includes club salaries and bonuses, while off the field comes from sponsors, endorsements, and personal businesses.

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