Forbes has revealed the top 10 highest-earning footballers competing in the 2026 World Cup, with the number one spot easy to predict.
On 17 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Forbes unveiled the top 10 highest-earning footballers set to take part in the 2026 World Cup. Leading the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous Portuguese star playing for Al Nassr, a prominent club in the Saudi Arabian league, with an enormous income of $300 million USD, approximately 10.087 billion baht.
In second place is Lionel Messi, the Argentine genius playing for Inter Miami in the U.S. league, earning $140 million USD, about 4.707 billion baht. Following him in third is Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, the leading La Liga club, with earnings of $95 million USD, or 3.194 billion baht.
Top 10 Highest-Earning Footballers for the 2026 World Cup
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: $300 million USD (10.087 billion baht)
2. Lionel Messi: $140 million USD (4.707 billion baht)
3. Kylian Mbappé: $95 million USD (3.194 billion baht)
4. Erling Haaland: $80 million USD (2.690 billion baht)
5. Vinicius Jr.: $60 million USD (2.017 billion baht)
6. Mohamed Salah: $55 million USD (1.849 billion baht)
7. Sadio Mané: $54 million USD (1.816 billion baht)
8. Jude Bellingham: $44 million USD (1.480 billion baht)
9. Lamine Yamal: $43 million USD (1.446 billion baht)
10. Harry Kane: $41 million USD (1.378 billion baht)