In the list of the world’s ten highest-paid football players by Forbes on Oct. 17, Ronaldo claimed the number one spot for the fourth consecutive year, with Messi ranking second. Now 41 and 39 years old, respectively, the two legendary superstars continue to outpace the rest of the field, even as their careers approach the final years.
Forbes calculated these numbers before taxes and agent fees. The figures included club salaries, performance bonuses, commercial endorsements, and other business ventures.
The combined projected earnings for Ronaldo and Messi reach $445 million. This accounts for nearly half of the $942 million estimated to be earned by the top 10 players on the list this season.
This total is slightly lower than the $945 million recorded in 2025, mainly because Karim Benzema dropped off the list after becoming a free agent following his departure from Al Hilal in the summer of 2026.
Ronaldo’s $300 million fortune consists of a $250 million salary from Al Nassr and $50 million from endorsements and business activities. The Portuguese forward benefits from his CR7 brand, which includes fashion, fragrances and hotels, alongside investments in the tech company Perplexity and the wearable-tech firm WHOOP.
Messi is expected to earn $70 million from his playing contract with Inter Miami. This is paired with $75 million generated through commercial deals, investments, and other ventures. In addition to long-standing partnerships with brands like Mastercard and Michelob, the Argentine legend secured new endorsement deals with OpenAI and Duracell this year. His current contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028 and includes an option to acquire an ownership stake in the club upon his retirement.
Messi has also expanded into club ownership in Europe. He recently completed the acquisition of the Spanish second-division side Eldense, following his earlier purchase of Cornellà, a semi-professional club based in Barcelona. These investments are designed to help him remain involved in football long after the end of his playing career.
Both legends share a common trait: their commercial appeal far exceeds their on-field earnings. Forbes estimates that both have amassed enough wealth to become billionaires.
Earlier this year, Ronaldo became the first active athlete to surpass $2 billion in career pre-tax earnings, a milestone Messi is expected to reach in the next year.
In an August interview with VogueRonaldo suggested that the 2026-2027 campaign could be his final season as a professional. However, the 41-year-old forward has yet to make an official decision regarding his retirement. He currently boasts 981 goals across his club and country, leaving him just 19 shy of the historic 1,000-goal mark.
Third place on the highest-paid list goes to Kylian Mbappé, with $100 million in total earnings. This comprises $70 million from his Real Madrid contract and $30 million from other ventures. The French superstar notably ended his long-term partnership with Nike to sign a new deal with the Swiss footwear brand On. This contract reportedly includes an equity stake in the company, though the specific value of this stake has not been disclosed.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is fourth with $85 million, followed by Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior with $76 million.
19-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal sits in sixth place with $55 million, which comprises $35 million from playing and $20 million from commercial. Yamal’s overall income has risen from $43 million the previous year, thanks to new sponsorship deals with American Eagle, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s.
Al Nassr winger Sadio Mane is seventh with $54 million. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham follows with $45 million, while Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane sits at $42 million. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah rounds out the top 10 with $40 million.
This year’s list highlights the rapidly growing commercial appeal of the younger generation. However, they remain a long way from the two generational stars who have dominated world football for the past two decades. While Mbappé, Haaland and Vinicius are in their mid-twenties, and Yamal is only 19, they must continue to build their personal brands and sustain their global appeal over many years to eventually reach the financial level of Ronaldo and Messi.