According to a recent report by American business magazine Forbes published on October 17, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continues to assert his dominance as the sport’s highest-paid player, maintaining the top position for the fourth consecutive year with staggering earnings of $300 million. Argentine maestro Lionel Messi also achieved a personal milestone, recording his highest career earnings to date at an estimated $145 million for the 2026-27 season, though this impressive figure still represents less than half of Ronaldo’s formidable income.
The Portuguese icon, aged 41, has solidified his place at the pinnacle of football finances. His $300 million income stream is primarily driven by his lucrative contract with Saudi club Al Nassr, contributing $250 million. An additional $50 million is generated through a diverse portfolio of commercial endorsements and various business ventures. Ronaldo’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the pitch, encompassing his personal brand of products, clothing lines, perfumes, hotel chains, and significant investments in technology and real estate, showcasing his robust off-field earning capabilities.
Meanwhile, 39-year-old Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, saw his income soar to $145 million. A substantial $75 million comes from his contract with the Major League Soccer club, complemented by $74 million derived from extensive advertising agreements, strategic brand partnerships, and other diverse investments. Messi’s financial acumen also includes ownership stakes in two Spanish top-flight football clubs, alongside a share in Inter Miami itself.
Despite their advanced stages in illustrious careers, both Ronaldo and Messi continue to headline the list of highest-earning footballers globally. Their combined earnings for the 2026-27 season total an impressive $445 million, representing nearly half of the $942 million accumulated by all ten players featured on Forbes’ elite list. However, the aggregate income for this year’s top ten saw a slight dip of $3 million compared to the $945 million recorded in 2025. This decrease is largely attributed to the departure of French forward Karim Benzema from the list, following his exit from Al Hilal at the start of the 2026-27 season, leaving him without a club.
The Forbes report further highlights the full breakdown of football’s top earners for the season:
1. **Cristiano Ronaldo**: $300 million
2. **Lionel Messi**: $145 million
3. **Kylian Mbappé**: $100 million
4. **Erling Haaland**: $85 million
5. **Vinicius Jr**: $76 million
6. **Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)**: $55 million
7. **Sadio Mane**: $54 million
8. **Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)**: $45 million
9. **Harry Kane**: $42 million
10. **Mohamed Salah**: $40 million
Looking ahead, Forbes previously noted in 2026 that Cristiano Ronaldo became the first athlete to surpass $2 billion in career earnings. Lionel Messi is projected to reach this monumental career milestone in the coming year, underscoring the enduring financial power and global appeal of these two football legends.
