The 11 Highest-Paid Soccer Players in the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is set to make history as the largest tournament of all time with 48 participants and 104 matches. Held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it will also be a stage for several high-earning soccer players, including two active players who have become billionaires.

According to Forbes, the 11 highest-paid players in the 2026 World Cup are estimated to have earned a total of $950 million in the last 12 months. The list is led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who remain the main attractions in the soccer world despite being in the twilight of their professional careers.

Ronaldo and Messi are in the spotlight as they are the first active players to have achieved billionaire status in the history of the World Cup. Their presence is expected to be one of the biggest draws of the tournament, which will run until July 19, 2026.

Here is the list of the highest-paid players in the 2026 World Cup according to Forbes:

The 41-year-old Portugal captain is still the highest-paid athlete in the world across all sports. Forbes estimates that Ronaldo earned $300 million in the last year, consisting of $235 million from salary and bonuses and $65 million from endorsements and business ventures outside of soccer.

Ronaldo's net worth is now estimated to be $1.2 billion, making him one of the few active athletes who are billionaires.

Ronaldo's arch-rival, Lionel Messi, is in second place with an estimated earnings of $140 million. The Inter Miami star earned $70 million from soccer and $70 million from commercial partnerships.

Forbes estimates that Messi's net worth has reached $1.1 billion. The 2026 World Cup will be his sixth appearance in the tournament, and he will have the chance to defend his title with Argentina.

Real Madrid and France striker Kylian Mbappe earned an estimated $95 million in the last year. He earned $70 million from soccer and $25 million from endorsements.

At just 27 years old, Mbappe remains one of the most valuable faces in the global soccer industry.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland is in fourth place with an estimated earnings of $80 million. He earned $60 million from his soccer contract and $20 million from commercial partnerships.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior earned an estimated $60 million, consisting of $40 million from soccer and $20 million from endorsements. He will be one of Brazil's key players as they attempt to end their 24-year World Cup drought.

Mohamed Salah earned an estimated $55 million. He remains one of the most popular players in Africa and the Middle East, both on and off the pitch.

Sadio Mane, who now plays for Al Nassr, earned an estimated $54 million in the last year. He is one of the highest-paid African players in the world.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham earned an estimated $44 million. His high transfer value and increasing popularity have led to a significant increase in his commercial earnings.

Despite being just 18 years old, Yamal has already earned an estimated $43 million. He is one of the most sought-after young players by sponsors ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane earned an estimated $42 million. He remains a key player for the Three Lions as they chase their first World Cup title since 1966.

Neymar, despite struggling with injuries, still made the list with an estimated earnings of $38 million. Interestingly, most of his income comes from commercial activities outside of soccer.