The key facts

  • Cristiano Ronaldo — Forbes ranking leader with $300 million, more than double Messi's earnings
  • Messi — $145 million, Mbappe — $100 million
  • The ranking takes into account club payments and income outside football

Ronaldo tops the earnings ranking

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Forbes' forecast, will top the ranking of the world's highest-paid footballers in the 2026/2027 season. His total earnings are estimated at $300 million — more than double that of second-placed Lionel Messi. Ronaldo is expected to receive $250 million from Al-Nassr and another $50 million from other sources. In compiling the ranking, the publication took into account salaries and other club payments, as well as income outside football.

Forbes top 10

Second place goes to Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi with earnings of $145 million ($70 million from the club and $75 million from other sources). Third is Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe with $100 million ($70 million and $30 million). Next come: Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — $85 million ($60 million and $25 million); Vinicius Junior (Real) — $76 million ($48 million and $28 million); Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) — $55 million ($35 million and $20 million); Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) — $54 million ($50 million and $4 million); Jude Bellingham (Real) — $45 million ($29 million and $16 million); Harry Kane (Bayern) — $42 million ($29 million and $13 million); Mohamed Salah (Trabzonspor) — $40 million ($20 million and $20 million).

Scandal in the Portugal national team

According to Daryo.uz, Ronaldo was previously at the center of a major scandal during the Portugal national team's training camp. After a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, the 41-year-old forward left the national team's camp early and was suspended from national team matches as a result.