Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to create history even before a ball is kicked. For the first time, billionaire footballers will take part in the tournament, underlining how the world's biggest stars have become global brands far beyond the game. According to Forbes' latest rankings, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi have both crossed the $1 billion net worth mark, making them the wealthiest players in the competition. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with a record 48 teams and 104 matches.
Ronaldo's earnings reach historic heights
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo remains football's biggest money-maker. Forbes estimates his earnings over the last 12 months at $300 million, matching one of the highest annual income records ever achieved by a sportsperson. Of this amount, $235 million came from salary and bonuses, while another $65 million flowed from endorsements and business ventures. The Al-Nassr star is also among a rare group of active athletes whose net worth has crossed the billion-dollar milestone. This World Cup will be Ronaldo's sixth appearance on football's biggest stage.
Messi eyes another World Cup milestone
Lionel Messi sits second on the rich list with annual earnings of $140 million. What makes his income unique is the balance between football and commercial deals, with roughly half coming from each source. The Inter Miami forward recently joined the billionaire club and enters his sixth World Cup carrying Argentina's hopes once again.
Key numbers around Messi:
- Annual earnings: $140 million
- Estimated net worth: More than $1 billion
- World Cup appearances: Six
- Goals needed to become the tournament's all-time top scorer: Four
Messi remains one of the biggest attractions of the competition and could add another record to his glittering career.
Mbappe and Haaland headline next generation
Behind Ronaldo and Messi stands a powerful new generation of football superstars. France captain Kylian Mbappe ranks third with annual earnings of $95 million, while Norway striker Erling Haaland follows with $80 million. Both have become major commercial brands alongside their on-field success.
Other leading earners include:
- Vinicius Junior – $60 million
- Mohamed Salah – $55 million
- Sadio Mane – $54 million
- Jude Bellingham – $44 million
These figures show how elite football now generates wealth through salaries, sponsorships, image rights and global partnerships.
Teen sensation Yamal joins elite company
One of the biggest surprises on the list is Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. At just 18, he has already earned an estimated $43 million over the past year, highlighting his rapidly rising profile in world football. He ranks alongside established stars such as Harry Kane and Neymar despite being at the very start of his career.
Yamal's emergence also reflects a changing football economy, where young stars can become global commercial attractions almost overnight. His presence in the top earners' list signals the arrival of a new era.
Footballers become global brands beyond sport
The Forbes rankings are based on players' salaries, bonuses, image rights and endorsement deals earned during the previous 12 months. They do not include investment returns, taxes, transfer fees or agent commissions. Even so, the numbers reveal the enormous commercial power of modern footballers.
Among the biggest takeaways:
- Ronaldo and Messi enter the World Cup as billionaire athletes.
- The top earners collected nearly a billion dollars combined over the last year.
- Commercial income now rivals football salaries for many stars.
- Young talents are building fortunes much earlier in their careers.
The list underlines a simple reality: today's football icons are no longer just athletes. They are worldwide brands whose influence stretches far beyond the pitch, and the 2026 World Cup will showcase that financial power like never before.
