Ronaldo and Messi still at the top. Here are the highest-paid footballers in the world in 2026

This summer saw a revolution in football with Lamine Yamal leading Spain to World Cup victory at just 19. Despite the rise of young stars, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the top earners. Ronaldo became the first active athlete to surpass $2 billion in career earnings, with $300 million this year, primarily from his contract with Al Nassr. Messi follows with $145 million, while Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. round out the top earners. Interestingly, only one Premier League player, Haaland, is among the top earners, highlighting La Liga's dominance with four players in the top ten.