The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be the biggest and richest tournament in football history. With 48 teams and massive prize money on offer, the players taking part are not just competing for glory — many of them are already multi-millionaires and even billionaires thanks to salaries, endorsements, and smart business moves.
While some stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have built empires worth hundreds of millions (and in Ronaldo’s case, over a billion), others like Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland are quickly climbing the rich list with huge contracts and brand deals.
Here’s a clear look at the Top 10 Richest Soccer Players who are expected to feature at the World Cup 2026, ranked by their current estimated net worth.
Richest Soccer Players in World Cup 2026: Top 10 List
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All the Key Players to Watch in the 23rd Edition of World Cup History, but we have selected the Top 10 Richest Soccer Players in World Cup 2026
10. Vinícius Júnior – $75 Million
Vinícius Júnior’s Salary – $37.5 Million
Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar has seen his net worth rise rapidly in the last two years. His performances in the Champions League and huge marketing deals with Nike and other brands have made him one of the fastest-rising rich players. At just 25, Vinícius is expected to become even wealthier after the 2026 World Cup.
9. Erling Haaland – $90 Million
Erling Haaland’s Salary – $38 Million
Manchester City’s Norwegian goal machine has already signed one of the biggest contracts in Premier League history. Haaland earns over $25 million per year from salary alone, plus major endorsement deals. His simple lifestyle and focus on the pitch have helped him build serious wealth at a very young age.
8. Kevin De Bruyne – $100 Million
Kevin De Bruyne‘s Salary – $11.1 Million
Manchester City’s midfield genius has earned serious money during his time at the Etihad. De Bruyne’s long-term contract and multiple sponsorship deals have helped him cross the $75 million mark. He is known for being careful with his money and focuses more on football than flashy spending.
7. Son Heung-min – $94 Million
Son Heung-min’s Salary – $11.15 Million
Son Heung-min stands out as the sole Asian player on the list, boasting an estimated fortune of $94 million.
South Korea’s captain and Tottenham Hotspur star, Son Heung‑min, combines Premier League earnings with global endorsements, making him one of the richest players at the 2026 World Cup.
6. Mohamed Salah – $135 Million
Mohamed Salah‘s Salary – $27 Million
The Liverpool star has been one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League for years. His massive contract extension and huge endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Pepsi have pushed his net worth close to $135 million.
Mohamed Salah is also smart with investments in Egypt and remains one of Africa’s biggest football earners.
5. Harry Kane – $140 Million
Harry Kane’s Salary – $27 Million
England captain Harry Kane is one of the most consistent goalscorers in world football. His move to Bayern Munich and long-term contract have significantly boosted his earnings. Kane earns around $25–30 million per year from salary and endorsements.
He keeps his lifestyle relatively low-key compared to other superstars, which has helped him build steady wealth.
4. Kylian Mbappé –$237 Million
Kylian Mbappé’s Salary – $53 Million
The French superstar is already earning extremely well at Real Madrid. His massive contract, combined with huge endorsement deals (especially with Nike), has helped him cross the $180 million mark. At just 27, Mbappé is expected to become one of the richest players ever by the time he retires.
Kylian famously donated his entire $500,000 World Cup bonus (2018 World Cup) to a charity that supports disabled children.
3. Neymar Jr – $425 Million
Neymar’s Salary – $160 Million (Last Salary)
Even with injury struggles in recent years, Neymar remains one of the richest active footballers. His huge salary at Al-Hilal, lifetime Nike deal, and various business investments have kept his net worth close to $450 million. Many expect him to have one last big payday after the 2026 World Cup.
He has competed in three Copa America tournaments and two previous World Cups. Now, he is set to play in his 4th World Cup at the FIFA 2026 tournament after being selected in the 26-man Brazil World Cup Squad.
2. Lionel Messi – $1 Billion
Lionel Messi’s Salary – $75 Million
The Argentine legend has built an incredible financial empire. His move to Inter Miami, lifetime Adidas deal, and ownership stake in the club have pushed his net worth close to $1 billion. Messi continues to earn from endorsements, investments, and his massive global brand. He remains one of the biggest money-makers in world sport.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $1.3 Billion+
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Salary – $224 Million | World’s Highest-Paid Athletes 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo is not just the richest footballer in the world — he is the richest active athlete on the planet. His record-breaking contract with Al-Nassr, massive YouTube channel, CR7 brand, and lifetime Nike deal have helped him cross the $1.2 billion mark. Ronaldo earns over $200 million per year and shows no signs of slowing down, even at 41.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Richest Players List
- Saudi Arabian clubs have played a big role in increasing the net worth of several top players (Ronaldo, Benzema, Neymar).
- European clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich continue to offer huge salaries.
- Endorsement deals (especially with Nike and Adidas) remain the biggest wealth builders for modern footballers.
- Players who build personal brands (like Ronaldo and Messi) earn far more than salary alone.
The 2026 World Cup will feature some of the richest and most talented players the game has ever seen. While money is important, most fans still care more about what these players do on the pitch in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Who is the richest soccer player going to the 2026 World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo is by far the richest, with a net worth of over $1.2 billion.
Is Lionel Messi a billionaire?
Messi’s net worth is estimated between $850 million and $1 billion, so he is very close to becoming a confirmed billionaire.
How much does Cristiano Ronaldo earn per year?
Ronaldo earns over $200–240 million per year from salary, endorsements, and his businesses.
Which young player is getting richer fastest?
Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland are seeing the fastest growth in net worth among younger stars.
Do Saudi clubs really pay that much?
Yes. Players like Ronaldo, and Benzema are earning record salaries in Saudi Arabia, which has significantly increased their wealth.
The 2026 World Cup is going to be special — not just because of the football, but also because of the incredible wealth and star power on display. Which player on this list do you think will have the biggest impact in the tournament? Let us know in the comments!
