Forbes reveals world's highest-paid footballers
Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be the world's highest-paid footballer for the 2026/27 season.
According to a ranking compiled by Forbes, reported by Operativ Media, the Portuguese star's total earnings will reach $300 million. Of this, $250 million will come from club payments and $50 million from off-field commercial activities.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi ranks second on the list. The Argentine footballer is projected to earn $145 million during the season, with $70 million coming from his club and $75 million from other endeavors.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe rounds out the top three, with total earnings expected to reach $100 million.
Here is Forbes' list of the top 10 highest-paid footballers for the 2026/27 season:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) – $300 million ($250 million from club, $50 million from other activities)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $145 million (70+75)
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – $100 million (70+30)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $85 million (60+25)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) – $76 million (48+28)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – $55 million (35+20)
- Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) – $54 million (50+4)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – $45 million (29+16)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – $42 million (29+13)
- Mohamed Salah (Trabzonspor) – $40 million (20+20)
The ranking accounts for players' salaries and other compensation received from their clubs, as well as off-field income generated outside of football.
