The 2026 FIFA World Cup is reportedly the biggest in history and the first edition to feature two billionaire footballers. Surprisingly, the list of the top ten richest players at the tournament also includes two Africans and an 18-year-old teenager.
According to men’s lifestyle and culture magazine Esquire Australia, footballers have always earned huge salaries, but in recent years, many have grown into global celebrities and brand ambassadors, significantly boosting their wealth through endorsements and business ventures.
Journalist Cayle Reid noted that the growth of leagues outside Europe, particularly in the USA, China, and the Middle East, has also contributed to rising football salaries.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with annual earnings of about $435 million. The Al Nassr forward, now appearing in his sixth World Cup, has an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion according to Forbes.
2. Lionel Messi:
Argentina captain
Lionel Messi
ranks second with reported yearly earnings of $200 million. The
Inter Miami CF
star joins Ronaldo as one of the billionaire footballers at the tournament, boosted by endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas, Michelob Ultra, and McDonald’s.
3. Kylian Mbappé:
France captain
Kylian Mbappé
is third on the list with earnings estimated at $140 million annually. The
Real Madrid CF
forward also has endorsement partnerships with Nike and Hublot, among other investments.
4. Erling Haaland:
Norway striker
Erling Haaland
comes fourth with earnings of around $120 million from his
Manchester City F.C.
contract and endorsement campaigns with Nike and Budweiser.
5. Vinícius Júnior:
Brazil winger
Vinícius Júnior
is fifth with estimated earnings of $90 million. The
Real Madrid CF
star also works with Nike, Pepsi, Apple, and fashion brand BOSS.
6. Mohamed Salah:
Egypt captain
Mohamed Salah
ranks sixth with earnings of about $80 million annually. Salah, who guided Egypt to the Round of 16, has endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, Vodafone, Gucci, and Audemars Piguet.
7. Sadio Mané:
Senegalese forward
Sadio Mané
is seventh on the list with reported earnings of $78 million from his contract with
Al Nassr
, despite Senegal exiting the tournament in the Round of 32.
8. Jude Bellingham:
England midfielder
Jude Bellingham
, who plays for
Real Madrid CF
, sits eighth with annual earnings of around $64 million through football and endorsement deals with Adidas, Louis Vuitton, and Lucozade.
9. Lamine Yamal:
Spain teenager
Lamine Yamal
is ninth on the list. The 18-year-old
FC Barcelona
winger reportedly earns $62 million annually through club wages and partnerships with brands including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Visa, and Powerade.
10. Harry Kane:
England captain
Harry Kane
completes the top ten with annual earnings estimated at $59 million. The
FC Bayern Munich
striker also benefits from endorsement deals with Cadbury, Nike, Mars, and Skechers.