The Richest Players of the 2026 World Cup

At 32 years old, Harry Kane remains one of the biggest stars in world soccer. The Bayern Munich forward, the only Bundesliga player among the highest-paid players at the 2026 World Cup, earned 29 million U.S. dollars on the field and 12 million in commercial revenue, for a total of 41 million U.S. dollars. As England’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 113 international matches, Kane hopes to lead the Three Lions to their first World Cup title since 1966.

A finalist at Euro 2024, where he shared the Golden Boot, he heads into the World Cup brimming with confidence. In England’s first warm-up match against New Zealand, he found the back of the net, bringing his total to 32 goals in 2026.

Despite his young age, Lamine Yamal is already one of the biggest stars of the 2026 World Cup. The 18-year-old Spanish winger has earned 43 million U.S. dollars over the past year, including 33 million on the field and 10 million through his numerous commercial partnerships.

His preparation for the World Cup, however, has not been ideal. A hamstring injury forced him to miss the end of the season with FC Barcelona, the Spanish champions. Although he returned to training with the Spanish national team in late May, his playing time is expected to be limited during the tournament’s early matches.

Even though he spends less time on the field, Yamal remains a constant presence on screen. The young star appears in several World Cup-related advertising campaigns, notably for Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Powerade, and Visa, in addition to having signed a deal with American Eagle earlier this year.

At just 22 years old, Jude Bellingham has already established himself as one of the most influential and highest-paid players in world soccer. The Real Madrid midfielder earned 29 million U.S. dollars in sports-related income and 15 million from sponsorships, for a total of 44 million.

His rise really took off during the 2022 World Cup. Against Iran, he became the second-youngest player in England’s history to score a goal in a World Cup, before adding an assist in the round of 16. These performances contributed to his spectacular transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid for over 100 million dollars.

At 34, Sadio Mané remains the leading figure in Senegalese soccer and one of the most influential African players of his generation. The forward earns a total of 54 million U.S. dollars annually, including 50 million from his on-field activities and 4 million from his commercial partnerships.

For several years now, Mané has established himself as an indispensable leader of the Senegalese national team. His experience, speed, and goal-scoring instinct continue to make him a formidable asset in major international tournaments. Despite the rise of a new generation of talent, he remains the most recognizable face of Senegalese soccer on the world stage.

A true icon of African soccer, Mohamed Salah remains one of the most influential players in the world at age 33. The Egyptian star earned 55 million U.S. dollars over the past year, including 35 million from his athletic earnings and 20 million from his numerous commercial deals.

Over the years, Salah has built a reputation as a formidable goal-scorer and an exemplary leader, both with his club and with the Egyptian national team. His popularity extends far beyond the soccer field, making him one of the most marketable athletes in the world of sports.

Even though he is one of the most recognizable faces in world soccer, Vinicius Jr. prefers to temper expectations surrounding Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward recently stated that Argentina, Portugal, Spain, and France are among the top contenders for the title, refusing to consider the Seleção as the favorite despite its five World Cup titles.

Financially, however, Vinicius continues to play in the big leagues. The Brazilian generated 40 million U.S. dollars from his athletic activities and 20 million in commercial revenue, for a total of 60 million. As Brazil attempts to end a 24-year drought without a World Cup title, Vinicius is also making headlines off the field.

With estimated earnings of 80 million U.S. dollars—60 million earned on the field and 20 million from sponsorships—Erling Haaland ranks among the highest-paid players at the 2026 World Cup. At just 25 years old, the Norwegian forward has established himself as one of the most formidable goal scorers of his generation.

Having made his name at RB Salzburg before continuing his rise at Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has reached new heights since joining Manchester City. His physical strength, speed, and efficiency in front of the net have allowed him to rack up goals at an exceptional pace and win several major trophies.

As the leader of the Norwegian national team, he also carries the hopes of an entire country on the international stage. Considered one of the best strikers in the world, Haaland seems destined to make soccer history for many years to come.

At 27, Kylian Mbappé is already considered one of the greatest players of his generation. The French star earned 95 million U.S. dollars over the past year, including 70 million on the field and 25 million through his commercial partnerships.

Having broken into the scene at a very young age with AS Monaco, Mbappé quickly established himself as a global phenomenon before continuing his career at Paris Saint-Germain, where he became one of the top scorers in the club’s history. His exceptional speed, finishing ability, and knack for turning games around have helped him win numerous trophies.

A World Cup champion with France in 2018, a runner-up in 2022, and now a player for Real Madrid, Mbappé continues to build his legacy and remains one of the most influential figures in world soccer.

At 38, Lionel Messi continues to rank among the world’s most influential and highest-paid athletes. The Argentine legend earned 140 million U.S. dollars over the past year, split evenly between 70 million from on-field earnings and 70 million from commercial revenue.

Considered by many to be the greatest player in soccer history, Messi has built an exceptional career marked by hundreds of goals, numerous titles, and an impressive record of individual honors. After dominating European soccer for more than 20 years, notably with FC Barcelona, he finally capped off his career by leading Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy the passage of time and remains the highest-paid athlete at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese legend has earned 300 million U.S. dollars, including 235 million on the field and 65 million through his numerous commercial partnerships.

Over the course of an exceptional career spanning more than two decades, Ronaldo has won virtually every honor imaginable. Having broken out at Sporting CP before shining with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, he has become one of the greatest goal scorers in soccer history. His list of achievements includes several Champions League titles, domestic league championships, and individual awards.

As captain of Portugal, Ronaldo remains a global icon whose influence extends far beyond the world of sports. Even at age 41, he continues to command the spotlight wherever he goes.