Messi and Ronaldo still reign in the realm of earnings, with the likes of Yamal and Mbappé trailing behind.

Ronaldo and Messi occupy the top two spots on Forbes’ 2026 list. The Portuguese superstar leads with earnings of $300 million, while the Argentine legend follows in second place with $145 million.

Has the scepter of football supremacy passed to a new generation? Observing the rise of players like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland on the pitch, one might think so. However, the picture off the field tells a different story. In terms of commercial empires and earnings, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi still reign supreme in the football world.

In the 2026 list of the world’s highest-paid footballers—published by the U.S.-based business magazine Forbes—these two superstars have once again secured the top two positions. This marks the fourth consecutive season they have held the first and second spots. Over the past 13 years, Ronaldo and Messi have maintained their status as the two highest-earning footballers on 12 occasions.

While the new generation is gaining dominance on the pitch, the old rivalry continues to hold sway in the financial arena. The competition that once captivated the football world when they wore the jerseys of Barcelona and Real Madrid has now shifted to the realm of earnings and commercial empires.

Ronaldo’s earnings: $300 million

According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo’s estimated earnings for 2026 stand at $300 million. This includes $250 million from on-field compensation, with an additional $50 million generated from off-field business ventures and commercial deals.

The Portuguese star will earn this substantial sum through his salary and bonuses at the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, supplemented by significant income from brand endorsements and his own business initiatives.

Last year, Ronaldo’s total earnings were $280 million—meaning his income has increased by $20 million over the past year.

Another detail is worth noting to illustrate the scale of Ronaldo’s financial empire. Earlier this year, he became the first active athlete to surpass the $2 billion career earnings milestone (before taxes).

While Ronaldo was once defined primarily by his extraordinary goal-scoring ability, his identity now encompasses a vast business empire. Under the ‘CR7’ brand, he manages a diverse range of products and business ventures. Beyond his exploits on the pitch, the Portuguese star has successfully transformed his name into a powerful commercial brand.

Messi leads in off-field earnings

Much like Ronaldo, who has built a personal brand, a significant portion of Messi’s income stems from long-term commercial partnerships and business investments. His future plans even include potential investments in the ownership of various sports clubs.

According to Forbes, Messi’s projected earnings for 2026 stand at $145 million. Of this, approximately $70 million will come from his playing contract with Inter Miami, while another $75 million is expected from off-field deals and commercial ventures.

In other words, Messi’s off-field income exceeds his earnings from playing on the pitch.

Last year, the Argentine superstar earned $130 million; this year, that figure has increased by $15 million. Like Ronaldo, Messi is also steadily approaching the $2 billion career earnings milestone.

Although these two legends employ different business strategies, the outcomes are remarkably similar. Ronaldo has expanded his brand and business ventures centered around his own name, whereas Messi has strengthened his financial position through partnerships with major corporations and strategic investments.

The two legends account for nearly half of the top ten’s total earnings

Forbes reports that the combined earnings of the world’s ten highest-paid footballers in 2026 will reach approximately $942 million. Of this total, Ronaldo and Messi account for $445 million—meaning these two stars alone command nearly half of the combined earnings of the top ten.

Last year, the combined earnings of the top ten footballers stood at approximately $945 million. While this figure has seen a slight decline, most individual players on the list have actually experienced an increase in their personal earnings. One of the reasons for the decline in combined earnings is that former French striker Karim Benzema, who appeared on last year’s list, is no longer in the top ten. Last year, his estimated earnings were $104 million. Following the termination of his contract with Al-Hilal, he is currently a free agent. Taking his place at number nine on the list is Bayern Munich’s English striker, Harry Kane.

Mbappé in third, followed by Haaland and Vinícius

Despite the continued dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, the rise of a new generation of footballers is evident—with Kylian Mbappé leading the pack.

The French star, now with Real Madrid, has climbed one spot to third place on the 2026 Forbes list. His estimated earnings stand at $100 million—comprising $70 million from on-field performance and $30 million from off-field sources. This represents an increase of $5 million compared to last year.

Mbappé has previously demonstrated that the throne occupied by Messi and Ronaldo is not entirely beyond reach; in 2022, he became the highest-earning footballer after receiving a massive signing bonus upon renewing his contract with PSG, though he was unable to maintain that top position.

In fourth place is Manchester City’s Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, with estimated earnings of $85 million—consisting of $60 million from club salary and bonuses, and $25 million from off-field sources.

Occupying the fifth spot is Real Madrid’s Brazilian star, Vinícius Júnior, with estimated earnings of $76 million.

Mbappé, Haaland, and Vinícius are all approaching the prime of their footballing careers. As their on-field performances flourish, so too does their commercial value. For now, they stand as the primary contenders to challenge the financial supremacy long held by Messi and Ronaldo. The Rise of Yamal: Earnings of $55 Million

Lamine Yamal is one of the most talked-about names among the new generation. This young Barcelona star has rapidly solidified his position on the

...he is also building a commercial profile off the pitch.

He has secured sponsorship deals with world-renowned brands such as American Eagle, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s. According to Forbes, Lamine Yamal’s projected earnings for 2026 stand at $55 million, placing him sixth on the list of the highest-earning footballers.

Last year, his earnings were $43 million—an increase of $12 million in just one year.

For his age, these earnings are undeniably remarkable. At a stage in life when many footballers are still fighting to secure a regular spot in their first teams, Yamal has already emerged as one of the highest-earning players in the world.

Generations are shifting, but the financial throne remains held by the veterans.

In the past, the central debate surrounding the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo revolved around who would score more goals, win more Ballon d’Or awards, and ultimately be considered the greatest of all time. Over time, the focus of that rivalry has shifted; today, alongside on-field performance, the conversation encompasses their earnings, sponsorships, and business empires.

Meanwhile, stars like Yamal, Mbappé, and Haaland are strengthening their commercial standing alongside their success on the pitch. They have long careers ahead of them, with ample opportunities to further increase their wealth.

While a generational transition may be underway in football, Forbes’ 2026 projections indicate that the era of Messi and Ronaldo in terms of earnings is far from over. A new king may ascend the throne on the pitch, but the dominance of the two long-standing emperors over football’s financial empire remains unshaken.