The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to feature not only the biggest football stars but also some of the world’s highest paid athletes. With massive club contracts, endorsement deals, and commercial partnerships, these footballers continue to dominate both on and off the pitch.
Leading the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly earns about 216 million dollars annually through his contract with Al Nassr and various endorsement deals. The Portuguese icon remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
Second on the list is Karim Benzema with estimated earnings of 112 million dollars from his time at Al Ittihad. Lionel Messi follows with earnings of around 80 million dollars while playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
African stars also feature prominently among football’s biggest earners. Riyad Mahrez earns an estimated 60 million dollars with Al Ahli, while Sadio Mané reportedly takes home 46 million dollars annually at Al Nassr.
Young superstars continue to rise financially as well. Kylian Mbappé earns around 37 million dollars at Real Madrid, while Erling Haaland makes approximately 36 million dollars with Manchester City.
Other high earners expected at the tournament include Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Mohamed Salah, all of whom continue to grow their global brands through football success and commercial influence.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to further highlight the growing financial power of elite football and the global appeal of its biggest stars.
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