2026 highest-paid footballers globally
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the world’s highest-paid footballer in 2026, with the Al-Nassr captain earning more than his peers as Saudi Arabia’s growing influence continues to reshape the global football salary landscape.
According to reports, the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend earns an estimated £177 million annually, making him by far the highest-paid player globally. The breakdown of the salary is £14 million per month and a whopping £3.4 million per week.
Below is a list of some of the other highest-paid footballers in 2026, with Lionel Messi missing the top 10 with his £18.5 million-a-year contract at Inter Miami.
Sadio Mane
Ronaldo’s teammate at Al Nassr is the second-highest earner on the list, with a salary estimated at £34.1 million per year. He joined the Saudi Pro League side in 2023 after leaving Bayern Munich.
Mane has scored over 30 goals for Al Nassr and helped them to the league title last season.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The Senegalese defender is another Saudi Pro League player on the list and occupies the third spot with his £29.6 million annual salary, which amounts to £2.4 million per month and over £569,000 per week.
He joined Al Hilal in 2023 and has won one Saudi League title, two King’s Cup titles, and one Saudi Super Cup title with the team.
Erling Haaland
The Manchester City striker ranks fourth on the list and is the highest-paid player in terms of salary outside Saudi Arabia. Haaland is on a £27.3 million-a-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 before signing a renewal until 2027, which significantly raised his yearly pay.
Kylian Mbappe
Thanks to his £26.6 million yearly salary, the Real Madrid forward completes the top five. The deal amounts to £2.2 million per month and more than £500,000 weekly.
Mbappe joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in a sensational 2024 move but has yet to win any major title with the Los Blancos.
Vinicius Junior
Vinicius is another Real Madrid player on the list, sitting sixth with an annual pay of £26.6 million. The 26-year-old last month signed a new contract with the club.
The 26-year-old joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 and has won three La Liga and three Champions League titles.
Rodri
The Spanish midfielder, who moved from Manchester City to Barcelona during the just-concluded summer transfer window, ranked seventh on the highest-paid hierarchy.
Rodri will reportedly earn £23.1 million per annum during his four-year contract in Spain.
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