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Ronaldo Tops 2026 World Cup Earnings List, Messi Second

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Documents & data Context piece
  • Cristiano Ronaldo is projected to be the highest-paid player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with earnings estimated at $300 million.
  • Lionel Messi is ranked second with an estimated $140 million, followed by Kylian Mbappé at $95 million.
  • The tournament will feature 48 teams across 16 host cities, highlighting significant financial stakes for top athletes.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a landmark event, not only for its expanded 48-team format and multi-nation hosting but also for the staggering financial rewards awaiting its star players. As the tournament unfolds across 16 cities, the focus extends beyond the pitch to the lucrative contracts of the world's elite footballers.

Ronaldo is not only the highest-paid footballer but also the highest-earning athlete in the world across all sports.

— ForbesForbes' assessment of Cristiano Ronaldo's financial standing.

Cristiano Ronaldo is anticipated to lead the pack as the highest-earning player, with projections placing his annual income at an astonishing $300 million. This figure solidifies his status not just as a top footballer but as the world's highest-earning athlete for a fourth consecutive year, matching Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s record earnings. Forbes estimates his career earnings have surpassed $2 billion, with a net worth around $1.2 billion.

The Portuguese striker's estimated earnings reach $300 million over the last 12 months.

— ForbesForbes' projection of Cristiano Ronaldo's income.

Following closely is Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's long-time rival, with an estimated $140 million. Messi, also a Forbes billionaire, is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance, a record. Kylian Mbappé rounds out the top three, projected to earn $95 million. Other notable high earners include Erling Haaland ($80 million) and Vinícius Jr. ($60 million), underscoring the immense commercial value and financial power concentrated within the sport's biggest global stage.

Like his longtime rival, Ronaldo, Messi also recently entered Forbes' list of the world's billionaires.

— ForbesForbes' report on Lionel Messi's financial status.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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