The highest paid footballers in the world in 2026 are led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns an estimated $280 million a season according to Forbes. Lionel Messi is second at $130 million, followed by Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Forbes counts salary, bonuses and endorsements before taxes and agents’ fees.
This list has changed a lot since our first version in 2023. Neymar, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta and Paul Pogba have dropped out, and younger stars such as Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal have moved in. Saudi Pro League money has also reshaped the top of the table.
Highest paid footballers in the world: quick facts
The figures below come from the Forbes ranking for the 2025 to 2026 season, as reported by Flashscore. Forbes estimates that the top 10 together will earn about $945 million this season.
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| Rank | Player | Club (as listed by Forbes) | Estimated earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr | $280 million |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | $130 million |
| 3 | Karim Benzema | Al Ittihad | $104 million |
| 4 | Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid | $95 million |
| 5 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | $80 million |
| 6 | Vinicius Junior | Real Madrid | About $60 million* |
| 7 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | About $55 million* |
| 8 | Sadio Mane | Al Nassr | $54 million |
| 9 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | About $44 million* |
| 10 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | $43 million |
*Figures marked with an asterisk are from Forbes’ 12-month estimates quoted in June 2026 coverage of the FIFA World Cup, as reported by Sports Illustrated. Clubs are as listed at the time of the ranking and may change with transfers.
The top 10 highest paid footballers explained
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo has been at the top of the football earnings table for most of the past decade. His move to Saudi club Al Nassr turned a very large salary into a record one, and Forbes estimated his season earnings at $280 million. In June 2026 Forbes put his 12-month figure at around $300 million, which made him the highest paid athlete in any sport.
A large part of his income comes from outside football. He has one of the biggest social media followings in the world, which keeps brands interested even as he moves past 40.
2. Lionel Messi
Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Forbes estimates his income at $130 million, and most of that comes from off-field deals rather than salary. His long-term partnerships with global brands and his commercial arrangements in the US make up the bulk of the figure.
3. Karim Benzema
The former Real Madrid striker is listed by Forbes with Saudi club Al Ittihad and estimated earnings of $104 million. Unlike Messi, almost all of his income comes from his playing contract. Reports put his off-field earnings at only about $4 million.
4. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe topped the Forbes list in 2022 while at Paris Saint-Germain. He has since moved to Real Madrid, and Forbes now estimates his earnings at $95 million. He remains the highest earner among players at a European club.
5. Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker is listed at Manchester City with estimated earnings of $80 million. He is the highest paid player in the Premier League on this list, and his goal-scoring record has made him one of the most marketable young players in the sport.
6. Vinicius Junior
The Brazilian forward plays for Real Madrid. Forbes estimates in June 2026 put his 12-month earnings at about $60 million, a mix of club salary and endorsement income.
7. Mohamed Salah
Salah is the only player from our original 2023 list, apart from Ronaldo, Messi and Mbappe, who is still in the top 10. He is listed at Liverpool, and Forbes estimates in June 2026 put his earnings at about $55 million.
8. Sadio Mane
The Senegal forward plays alongside Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Forbes estimates his earnings at $54 million, most of it from his Saudi contract.
9. Jude Bellingham
The England midfielder is the third Real Madrid player in the top 10. Forbes estimates in June 2026 put his 12-month earnings at about $44 million.
10. Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona winger is the youngest player on the list, with estimated earnings of $43 million. His entry shows how quickly brands now move to sign young stars once they break through at a top club.
Who dropped out since 2023
Our earlier version of this article listed Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Andres Iniesta, Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard. None of them appear in the current Forbes top 10, as newer stars and Saudi Pro League contracts have pushed the earnings bar much higher.
The shift shows two trends. Saudi clubs now pay some of the biggest salaries in the sport, and a new generation led by Mbappe, Haaland, Bellingham and Yamal has replaced the stars of the 2010s.
How Forbes calculates footballer earnings
- On-field earnings: salary and bonuses paid by the club, estimated for the current season.
- Off-field earnings: endorsements, appearance fees, licensing and business income.
- What is excluded: taxes and agents’ fees are not deducted, so the take-home figure is lower.
Because these are estimates, other outlets may publish slightly different numbers. The ranking order, however, has been broadly consistent across reports in 2025 and 2026.
For more sports and celebrity stories, see our entertainment section, and read about money and markets in our finance section. Profiles of well-known personalities are in people.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the highest paid footballer in the world in 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. Forbes estimates his earnings at $280 million for the 2025 to 2026 season, well ahead of Lionel Messi at $130 million.
How much does Lionel Messi earn per year?
Forbes estimates Messi’s earnings at $130 million for the season, with most of it coming from endorsements and business deals rather than his Inter Miami salary.
Who is the highest paid player in the Premier League?
On the Forbes list, Erling Haaland of Manchester City is the highest paid Premier League player, with estimated earnings of $80 million.
Is any young player among the top 10 earners?
Yes. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is the youngest player on the list, with estimated earnings of $43 million. Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid is also in the top 10.
Sources: Flashscore on the Forbes 2025 to 2026 list, Sports Illustrated on Forbes 2026 estimates, Forbes.
