Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rank among highest-paid at World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 5:30 AM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi top the list of the highest-paid players, earning an estimated combined income of $440 million over the past year. Ronaldo leads with $300 million, while Messi follows at $140 million. Both players will appear in their sixth World Cup as their teams compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This year’s tournament marks several milestones, including the participation of 48 teams and unprecedented ticket prices, with some finale seats listed for nearly $2.3 million on FIFA's resale site.
- •Cristiano Ronaldo earns $300 million, ranking first among World Cup players.
- •Lionel Messi follows with $140 million, also competing in his sixth World Cup.
- •Ticket prices for the final are significantly higher than previous tournaments.
- •The tournament will be held in three countries with 48 participating teams.
- •Ronaldo achieved his first Saudi Pro League championship last month.
- 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — The Highest-Paid Players At The 2026 World Cup
"Two new billionaires lead a starting 11 that collectively hauled in an estimated $950 million in the 12 months leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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