World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Messi lead list of highest-paid players [Top 11]

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina skipper, Lionel Messi, are leading the list of highest-paid players at the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo is number one on the list with estimated pre-tax and pre-agent fee earnings of $295 million over the past 12 months, according to Sportico.
This primarily comes from his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
The Portugal forward joined Al-Nassr in 2023, earning approximately $230 million on-field in the past season after renewing a two-year contract with the club.
It is widely believed that Ronaldo’s contract arrangement is subsidized by commercial agreements endorsed by the club.
The 41-year-old also earns approximately $65 ...