TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Football’s grandest stage has never looked bigger. Featuring an expanded field of 48 teams and matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament delivers even more stories with the appearance of the highest paid footballers at World Cup 2026.
Household names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé lead the rankings with estimated annual earnings of $300 million, $140 million, and $95 million, respectively. Their fortunes reflect years of excellence on the field, lucrative contracts with some of football's biggest clubs, and a commercial appeal that stretches far beyond the sport itself.
Here’s the complete top 10 of the highest paid footballers at World Cup 2026, according to Forbes.
List of the Highest Paid Footballers at World Cup 2026
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - $300 million
Cristiano Ronaldo remains in a league of his own when it comes to the highest paid footballers at World Cup 2026. The Portuguese forward boasts an estimated earnings of $300 million annually, driven largely by his $700 million worth of a contract with Saudi Pro League side club Al-Nassr. Beyond paychecks, Ronaldo continues to add to his legacy, becoming the first to score in six World Cups during the 2026 edition.
2. Lionel Messi - $140 million
Fresh off joining the ranks of football's billionaire athletes, Lionel Messi remains one of the sport's most influential figures. During the 2026 World Cup, Messi added another memorable chapter to his international career by scoring his first hat-trick in a match against Algeria. The achievement joins a résumé that already includes a World Cup title and the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player.
3. Kylian Mbappé - $95 million
At just 27, Kylian Mbappé has already experienced more World Cup success than most players. The French forward helped his country lift the trophy in 2018 and is now recognized among the 2026 World Cup top scorers. His estimated $95 million annual earnings are fueled by his Real Madrid salary and endorsement partnerships with brands such as Nike, Dior, and Hublot.
4. Erling Haaland - $80 million
Erling Haaland boasts an impressive record of 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway, a statistic that speaks to his extraordinary goalscoring ability. His on-field excellence has been rewarded generously by Manchester City, which reportedly pays him $33.5 million annually, while also attracting lucrative endorsement partnerships with global brands such as Nike. As he participates in his first FIFA World Cup, the Manchester City striker has hardly disappointed football fans.
5. Vinicius Jr. - $60 million
Brazil has long been a breeding ground for football superstars, and Vinicius Jr. is among the latest to carry that tradition forward. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, the winger has developed into one of the club's most influential players, contributing goals, assists, and crucial performances on some of football's biggest stages. His growing profile has also attracted endorsement partnerships with brands such as Pepsi, PlayStation, and Prada.
6. Mohamed Salah - $55 million
The "Egyptian King" has remained at the center of football conversations following his departure from Liverpool in March 2026. Yet questions surrounding his next move have done little to diminish his standing among the sport's elite. Salah continues to rank among the highest-paid footballers at the 2026 World Cup with estimated annual earnings of $55 million.
7. Sadio Mané - $54 million
One of the highest-paid African footballers, Sadio Mané earns an estimated $54 million annually. Much of that figure is tied to his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where he plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The financial impact of the move is evident, with EssentiallySports reporting that Mané's salary nearly doubled compared to his time at Bayern Munich, rising from around $23 million to $43 million per year.
8. Jude Bellingham - $44 million
Alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham is one of three Real Madrid stars featured among the tournament's highest earners. Still only 22, the midfielder has already become a cornerstone for both club and country. His breakout performances at the 2022 World Cup helped pave the way for a transfer worth more than $100 million from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid.
9. Lamine Yamal - $43 million
At an age when many players are still developing in youth academies, Lamine Yamal has already become one of football's most recognizable talents. Barcelona has relied on the young star to deliver beyond his years, from breaking age-related records to becoming the youngest player in club history to score 40 goals. Off the pitch, Yamal has also emerged as a valuable commercial figure, securing endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas, Beats by Dre, and Visa.
10. Harry Kane - $41 million
England captain Harry Kane is among the clearest examples of longevity and consistency at the highest level. The prolific striker derives his estimated $41 million annual earnings largely from his contract with Bayern Munich, performance bonuses, and endorsement partnerships. Together, these sources help build Harry Kane net worth into the multi-million-dollar range.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and these players are chasing more than goals and victories. Their places among the highest-paid footballers at World Cup 2026 reflect reputations they have built through years of elite performances and global recognition, with the tournament offering another opportunity to reinforce that legacy.
Read: 2026 World Cup: Which Third-Place Teams Will Advance?
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