The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may rage on forever, but there is a clear winner in one category.
Ronaldo makes more money.
At least, that's what Forbes' latest list of highest-earning soccer players in the world indicates, with the Al-Nassr star clearing more than double what the Inter Miami forward makes in the publication's calculations for 2026.
The financial publication long has estimated the worth of not only top athletes but also businesspeople and other celebrities. It released a list of the 10 highest-earning soccer players on Monday, Oct. 19, with Ronaldo topping the list and Messi sitting in second.
While the media outlet estimates that Messi makes more money off the field than Ronaldo ($75 million compared to $50
million in part thanks to reported revenue-sharing agreements with Adidas and Apple TV as part of his move to MLS), Ronaldo's compensation from his club comes in at an estimated $250 million, more than Messi reportedly makes from all pursuits combined.
Those two stars of the 2010s are still on top, but some of the biggest names at the 2026 World Cup may soon surpass them in compensation.
Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe of France and Real Madrid is listed as third while breakout star Erling Haaland sits fourth. At just 19 years old, Spain and FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is sixth, already having won the World Cup and the Euros and just beginning to put together a roster of sponsors and other off-field deals.
Who are the 10 highest-paid soccer stars in the world in 2026?
Forbes' full list:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: $300 million
- Lionel Messi: $145 million
- Kylian Mbappe: $100 million
- Erling Haaland: $85 million
- Vinicius Jr.: $76 million
- Lamine Yamal: $55 million
- Sadio Mane: $54 million
- Jude Bellingham: $45 million
- Harry Kane: $42 million
- Mohamed Salah: $40 million
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is the best-paid soccer player? Ronaldo, Messi battle atop Forbes Rich List
