The Highest-Paid Soccer Stars Playing in 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is packed with some of soccer’s biggest stars, many of whom also rank among the world’s highest-paid athletes. Between lucrative club contracts and major endorsement deals, these players earn as much off the pitch as they do on it. Here’s a look at the top earners competing on soccer’s biggest stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo tops soccer’s rich list with an estimated $300 million in earnings, thanks to his lucrative contract and major endorsement deals, according to Inc. He continues to add to his goalscoring record for both club and country and has extended his contract with Al-Nassr through 2027, per Bleacher Report.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi earns an estimated $140 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, according to Inc. The Argentine superstar has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, according to NPR. Even at this stage of his career, Messi remains one of soccer’s biggest stars and most marketable athletes.

Kylian Mbappé

The French sensation Kylian Mbappé‘s estimated annual earnings of $95 million come from jaw-dropping speed, big club moves, and global brand endorsements, according to Forbes. He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024 after leaving PSG, where he had become the club’s all-time top scorer with 256 goals, as reported by ESPN.

Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland earns an estimated $80 million, making him one of soccer’s highest-paid players, according to Forbes. The Manchester City striker announced himself as one of the game’s brightest stars by scoring a record 36 goals in 35 Premier League appearances during his debut season, per UEFA.

Vinicius Jr.

Lightning-fast and brimming with confidence, Vinicius Jr. earns an estimated $60 million annually, according to Forbes, making him one of soccer’s highest-paid stars. The Real Madrid winger has also built an impressive endorsement portfolio, partnering with more than 15 major brands, including PlayStation and EA Sports. His success on and off the pitch has made him one of the game’s most marketable young players.

Mohamed Salah

As Liverpool’s modern legend, Mohamed Salah earns an estimated $55 million, according to Forbes. The Egypt captain has become a Liverpool legend and remains one of the sport’s biggest global stars. According to The New York Times, he is set to become a free agent after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sadio Mané

Sadio Mané‘s rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa’s most beloved players is matched only by his $54 million success, per Powers of Africa. Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, he is Senegal’s all-time top scorer, according to Olympics.com.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham earns an estimated $44 million, according to Forbes, thanks to his lucrative playing contract and endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Lucozade. The England star also finished third in the 2024 FIFA Ballon d’Or voting, cementing his status as one of the world’s best young players.

Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal earns an estimated $43 million, according to Forbes, thanks to his playing contract and endorsement deals with brands including American Eagle. He also appears in 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns for Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Powerade, and Visa. According to FC Barcelona, Yamal is the youngest player ever to represent Spain’s senior national team and its youngest-ever goalscorer.

Harry Kane

The Premier League’s perennial goal machine, Harry Kane, boasts $41 million in annual earnings, according to The Providence Journal. England’s all-time leading scorer, captain of the National team, and currently plays for Bayern Munich.

Neymar

Neymar earns an estimated $38 million annually through his playing contract and endorsement deals. He also made history with his record-breaking $260 million transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, which remains the most expensive transfer in soccer history, according to Forbes.