Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list of the highest-paid football players in the world for 2026, with expected earnings of $300 million, ahead of Argentine Lionel Messi, who ranks second with $145 million.
French Kylian Mbappé comes in third with estimated earnings of around $100 million, while Ronaldo and Messi continue to dominate the first and second positions for the fourth consecutive season, and for the twelfth time in the last 13 years, according to a report published by "Forbes" magazine last Saturday.
Ronaldo's income estimates include about $250 million from Al Nassr FC during the (2026 - 2027) season, in addition to $50 million from endorsements and his business ventures.
As for Messi, he is expected to earn $70 million from Inter Miami and $75 million from his off-field activities.
According to the report, the total expected revenue for the top ten highest-paid players exceeds $942 million for the season, compared to $945 million the previous year.
Estimates suggest that Ronaldo and Messi have amassed fortunes sufficient to place them on the billionaire list, with expectations of Messi surpassing the $2 billion mark in total career earnings before taxes next year.