2026 World Cup’s 30 Richest Players Ranked by Net Worth: Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé and More

A player’s annual salary and his overall wealth are not always the same thing.

That distinction came into focus after our ranking of the 50 highest-paid players at the 2026 World Cup. Consider Erling Haaland: the Manchester City star is among the game’s top earners, bringing in roughly $80 million a year through salary, bonuses and his Nike partnership. Yet despite that massive income, Haaland’s estimated net worth stands at about $100 million because he is still in the earlier stages of building long-term wealth.

By comparison, veterans such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have spent well over a decade stacking elite wages, endorsement deals, business revenue and investment gains. Their fortunes have had far more time to grow.

This ranking, then, is not about who makes the most money in a single season. It is about which World Cup players have built the largest total fortunes over time.

The Richest Players at the 2026 World Cup

#32: Christian Pulisic – $30 Million

The 2026 tournament is set to include two billionaire players, a number of stars worth hundreds of millions, and a new class of Saudi-fueled wealth that has dramatically altered soccer’s financial landscape. From Ronaldo and Messi to Kylian Mbappé, Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Jude Bellingham, these are the richest players expected to take the field.

Among U.S. players, Christian Pulisic stands alone as both the wealthiest and highest-paid member of the national team. Nicknamed “Captain America,” Pulisic has built his fortune through his years at Borussia Dortmund, his then-record $73 million move to Chelsea, his current AC Milan wages, U.S. national team bonuses and the most robust endorsement portfolio of any active American men’s player.

• Country / Club: United States / AC Milan
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Financial Engine: AC Milan salary, Chelsea earnings, Puma, Pepsi, Gatorade, Michelob ULTRA, and Team USA commercial power.

#32: Phil Foden – $30 Million

Phil Foden is one of the most successful homegrown English players of his generation. After rising through Manchester City’s academy, he became a key figure under Pep Guardiola during one of the most dominant eras in Premier League history.

Foden’s wealth has been built through Manchester City wages, repeated title bonuses, Champions League prize-related payments, and high-profile commercial deals. As a local academy product who became a global star, he has one of the strongest financial profiles among England’s younger players.

• Country / Club: England / Manchester City
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City salary, Premier League and Champions League bonuses, Nike, and homegrown English star power.

#32: Bukayo Saka – $30 Million

Bukayo Saka has become one of the most valuable young players in English soccer. After coming through Arsenal’s academy, he developed into the club’s attacking centerpiece and one of the most important players for England.

Saka’s wealth is powered by his Arsenal salary, national team bonuses, and a major New Balance partnership. His clean public image, youth appeal, and status as one of the faces of Arsenal’s revival have made him one of the most commercially valuable young players in the Premier League.

• Country / Club: England / Arsenal
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Financial Engine: Arsenal salary, England bonuses, New Balance endorsement, and elite young-star marketing appeal.

#32: Martin Ødegaard – $30 Million

Martin Ødegaard became famous as a teenage prodigy before rebuilding his career into one of the Premier League’s best midfield success stories. After signing with Real Madrid at 16 and developing through loans, he found his long-term home at Arsenal.

As Arsenal captain, Ødegaard has become one of the club’s highest-paid players and the creative engine of Mikel Arteta’s team. His fortune reflects early Real Madrid wages, Arsenal captain-level salary, Norway national team income, and a growing commercial profile.

• Country / Club: Norway / Arsenal
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Financial Engine: Real Madrid teenage contract, Arsenal captain salary, Norway bonuses, and endorsements.

#32: Rodri – $30 Million

Rodri is one of the most important midfielders in world soccer. After developing at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, he became the tactical heartbeat of Manchester City, helping the club win Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a historic continental treble.

Rodri’s fortune has been built through Manchester City wages, major trophy bonuses, Spain national team success, and a focused endorsement profile anchored by Nike. His value is unusual because he is not a flashy attacking star, but one of the rare defensive midfielders who can define an entire team’s structure.

• Country / Club: Spain / Manchester City
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City salary, treble bonuses, Spain earnings, Nike, and elite defensive-midfield value.

#32: Kai Havertz – $30 Million

Kai Havertz turned his status as a German teenage prodigy into major Premier League money. After emerging at Bayer Leverkusen, he joined Chelsea in a blockbuster transfer and scored the winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final.

Havertz later moved to Arsenal on another major contract, giving him one of the strongest financial profiles among German attackers. His wealth is powered by Chelsea wages, Arsenal salary, Champions League bonuses, Germany national team income, and Nike-backed commercial value.

• Country / Club: Germany / Arsenal
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Financial Engine: Chelsea transfer, Arsenal wages, Champions League final bonus value, Germany earnings, and Nike.

#30: Ivan Toney – $35 Million

Ivan Toney’s net worth was built through one of the more unusual financial climbs in modern English soccer. After years at Northampton, Newcastle, Peterborough, and Brentford, Toney became a Premier League star and then secured the defining payday of his career with a move to Al Ahli.

For most of his career, Toney earned far less than the global superstars on this list. That changed when he joined the Saudi Pro League, where his tax-free salary dramatically accelerated his wealth and gave him the kind of financial security that would have been difficult to match in England.

• Country / Club: England / Al Ahli
• Net Worth: $35 million
• Financial Engine: Brentford rise, England national-team status, Al Ahli salary, tax-free Saudi income, and striker-market scarcity.

#30: João Félix – $35 Million

João Félix became one of the most expensive young players in soccer history after his breakout season at Benfica. His €126 million move to Atlético Madrid instantly placed him on elite wages and made him one of the most closely watched attacking players in Europe.

Félix’s career has included major contracts, high-profile loans, Portugal national team bonuses, and a long-term Chelsea deal. Even with an uneven club path, his massive transfer history and multi-club salary structure have created a strong financial base.

• Country / Club: Portugal / Chelsea
• Net Worth: $35 million
• Financial Engine: Atlético Madrid mega-transfer, Chelsea wages, Portugal bonuses, and long-term contract security.

#24: Achraf Hakimi – $40 Million

Achraf Hakimi is one of the richest and most recognizable African defenders in world soccer. After developing at Real Madrid and starring for Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, he became one of the highest-paid fullbacks in the sport.

Hakimi’s wealth is built on elite club contracts, Morocco national team success, and strong endorsement value. His profile rose even higher when he helped lead Morocco to a historic World Cup semifinal run, making him one of the most commercially valuable players from the African continent.

• Country / Club: Morocco / PSG
• Net Worth: $40 million
• Financial Engine: PSG salary, Inter Milan and Dortmund earnings, Morocco bonuses, and African-market endorsement power.

#24: Bruno Fernandes – $40 Million

Bruno Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s most important players since arriving from Sporting CP. The Portuguese midfielder quickly became the club’s creative centerpiece, penalty taker, and captain, turning that role into one of the richest contracts of his career.

Fernandes’ fortune comes from Premier League wages, Portugal national team bonuses, performance incentives, and endorsements. His durability, production, and leadership at one of the world’s biggest clubs have made him one of the wealthiest midfielders at the tournament.

• Country / Club: Portugal / Manchester United
• Net Worth: $40 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester United salary, Portugal bonuses, image rights, and elite Premier League midfielder status.

#24: Jack Grealish – $40 Million

Jack Grealish turned his Aston Villa rise into a record-breaking move to Manchester City. His £100 million transfer made him the most expensive British player at the time and immediately placed him among the highest-paid English players in the Premier League.

Grealish’s wealth is not just built on salary. His commercial appeal has made him one of the most marketable players in England, with major fashion, lifestyle, and boot deals adding significantly to his Manchester City earnings.

• Country / Club: England / Manchester City
• Net Worth: $40 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City salary, record British transfer value, Puma, Gucci, and lifestyle-brand appeal.

#24: Bernardo Silva – $40 Million

Bernardo Silva has been one of the most important players of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola era. After breaking out at Monaco, he joined City and became a key part of a team that dominated English soccer and won the Champions League.

Silva’s wealth has accumulated through years of elite Premier League wages, trophy bonuses, Portugal national team income, and endorsements. His tactical intelligence, versatility, and consistency have made him one of the most valuable midfielders in Europe.

• Country / Club: Portugal / Manchester City
• Net Worth: $40 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City wages, Champions League bonuses, Portugal income, and long-term elite midfielder value.

#24: Leroy Sané – $40 Million

Leroy Sané has used his explosive pace, left-footed attacking style, and Champions League-level résumé to build one of the strongest financial profiles among German wingers. After breaking through at Schalke, he moved to Manchester City and became part of Pep Guardiola’s dominant Premier League machine.

Sané later returned to Germany with Bayern Munich on a massive contract that placed him among the Bundesliga’s highest earners. His wealth reflects major salaries in England and Germany, trophy bonuses, Germany national team income, and a Nike-backed commercial profile.

• Country / Club: Germany / Bayern Munich
• Net Worth: $40 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City wages, Bayern Munich salary, Germany bonuses, Nike, and elite winger market value.

#24: Joshua Kimmich – $40 Million

Joshua Kimmich has been one of the tactical engines of German soccer for more than a decade. After developing at RB Leipzig, he became a central figure at Bayern Munich, winning Bundesliga titles, domestic cups, and the Champions League.

Kimmich’s fortune has been built through long-term Bayern Munich wages, trophy bonuses, Germany national team earnings, and a major Nike partnership. His ability to play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and right back has made him one of the most valuable and versatile players of his generation.

• Country / Club: Germany / Bayern Munich
• Net Worth: $40 million
• Financial Engine: Bayern Munich salary, Champions League and Bundesliga bonuses, Germany earnings, Nike, and elite tactical versatility.

#21: Jude Bellingham – $50 Million

Jude Bellingham is already one of the most marketable young soccer players in the world. The English midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2023 and quickly became one of the club’s most important players. His wealth is powered by his Real Madrid salary, major performance bonuses, and a rapidly growing endorsement portfolio.

Bellingham’s commercial value is rising almost as quickly as his on-field reputation. As one of the young faces of Adidas and European soccer, he has a rare combination of England star power, Real Madrid visibility, Champions League exposure, and global youth appeal.

• Country / Club: England / Real Madrid
• Net Worth: $50 million
• Financial Engine: Real Madrid salary, Adidas, global marketing deals, and elite young-star branding.

#21: Virgil van Dijk – $50 Million

Virgil van Dijk is one of the richest defenders in world soccer. After climbing through Groningen, Celtic, Southampton, and Liverpool, he became the world’s most expensive defender at the time of his move to Anfield and helped transform Liverpool into a Champions League and Premier League-winning team.

Van Dijk’s fortune has been built through years of elite Liverpool wages, trophy bonuses, Netherlands national team income, and major sponsorships. His reputation as one of the best center-backs of his generation gives him a financial profile that few defenders can match.

• Country / Club: Netherlands / Liverpool
• Net Worth: $50 million
• Financial Engine: Liverpool salary, Champions League and Premier League bonuses, Nike, and elite defender-market value.

#21: Marquinhos – $50 Million

Marquinhos has built one of the most durable financial résumés among modern defenders. After starting with Corinthians and moving quickly through Roma, he became a long-term Paris Saint-Germain cornerstone while still a teenager.

His fortune has been built through more than a decade of elite PSG wages, domestic trophy bonuses, Brazil national team income, and Nike-backed endorsement value. As PSG captain and one of Brazil’s most trusted defenders, Marquinhos has maintained top-tier earning power for years.

• Country / Club: Brazil / PSG
• Net Worth: $50 million
• Financial Engine: PSG salary, long-term captaincy, Brazil bonuses, Nike, and elite defender-market stability.

#20: Ousmane Dembélé – $65 Million

Ousmane Dembélé’s net worth has been shaped by some of the most expensive and lucrative moves of the modern transfer era. After emerging at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund, he joined Barcelona in a massive 2017 transfer that placed him on elite wages at a young age.

His Barcelona years were interrupted by injuries, but his earning power remained enormous. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where his salary stayed in the top tier of European soccer. Between Barcelona and PSG, Dembélé has spent much of his career attached to historically inflated on-field contract baselines.

• Country / Club: France / PSG
• Net Worth: $65 million
• Financial Engine: Major Barcelona and PSG contracts, transfer-driven wage leverage, and France national-team bonuses.

#18: Frenkie de Jong – $70 Million

Frenkie de Jong’s net worth story is one of the most complicated in European soccer. The Dutch midfielder became a star at Ajax before joining Barcelona in 2019 in a massive transfer. At Barcelona, he signed a huge contract and later agreed to defer millions in wages during the club’s pandemic-era financial crisis.

Those deferred payments later pushed his annual compensation much higher than a standard salary figure would suggest. While Spain’s high tax rates have reduced his take-home wealth, de Jong has still built a major fortune through Barcelona wages, backpay, bonuses, and Netherlands national-team income.

• Country / Club: Netherlands / Barcelona
• Net Worth: $70 million
• Financial Engine: Barcelona salary, deferred pandemic backpay, endorsements, and national-team bonuses.

#18: N’Golo Kanté – $70 Million

N’Golo Kanté built his fortune through one of the most unlikely rises in modern soccer. After climbing from lower-level French soccer to Leicester City, Chelsea, and the French national team, Kanté became one of the most respected midfielders in the world.

His Chelsea years produced Champions League, Premier League, Europa League, and World Cup glory, along with years of elite Premier League wages. His move to Al Ittihad added a new layer of tax-free Saudi income to a fortune already built on long-term European savings.

• Country / Club: France / Al Ittihad
• Net Worth: $70 million
• Financial Engine: Chelsea wages, World Cup and Champions League bonuses, and active tax-free Saudi salary.

#15: Casemiro – $75 Million

Casemiro’s net worth was built by being one of the most important defensive midfielders of his generation. At Real Madrid, he anchored the legendary midfield trio with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, helping the club win five Champions League titles.

Those trophies came with major bonuses, and his value eventually led to a blockbuster transfer to Manchester United. At United, Casemiro secured one of the largest contracts of his career, worth more than $23 million per year in base salary.

• Country / Club: Brazil / Manchester United
• Net Worth: $75 million
• Financial Engine: Real Madrid wages, five Champions League bonus cycles, Manchester United salary, and endorsements.

#15: Aymeric Laporte – $75 Million

Aymeric Laporte earned strong money for years as a core defender at Manchester City, but his move to Saudi Arabia transformed his financial profile. As one of Pep Guardiola’s trusted defenders, Laporte won Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the Champions League.

In 2023, he joined Al Nassr on a premium defensive contract that far exceeded what most European clubs pay center-backs. Because the salary is tax-free, the Saudi deal dramatically increased his take-home wealth in a short period.

• Country / Club: Spain / Al Nassr
• Net Worth: $75 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City earnings and a premium tax-free Al Nassr contract.

#15: Luka Modrić – $75 Million

Luka Modrić is one of the most decorated midfielders in soccer history. After rising through Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham, he became a Real Madrid legend, winning multiple Champions League titles and the Ballon d’Or.

Modrić’s fortune has been built through more than a decade of elite Real Madrid wages, Champions League bonuses, Croatia national team success, and endorsements. His longevity at the very top of European soccer has made him one of the richest midfielders of his generation.

• Country / Club: Croatia / Real Madrid
• Net Worth: $75 million
• Financial Engine: Real Madrid salary, Champions League bonuses, Ballon d’Or fame, Croatia earnings, and endorsements.

#14: Vinícius Júnior – $80 Million

Vinícius Júnior is one of the most valuable attacking players in the world. Real Madrid signed him from Flamengo as a teenager, and he developed into the club’s attacking talisman, scoring in Champions League finals and becoming one of the faces of Brazilian soccer.

His Real Madrid contract pays him elite wages, though Spanish taxes take a major bite out of his gross compensation. His endorsement power is also enormous, driven by his Brazil profile, Real Madrid platform, and highlight-reel playing style.

• Country / Club: Brazil / Real Madrid
• Net Worth: $80 million
• Financial Engine: Real Madrid salary, Brazil fame, major endorsements, and global attacking-star appeal.

#13: Marcelo Brozović – $85 Million

Marcelo Brozović was already a high earner during his long run at Inter Milan, but his move to Al Nassr pushed him into a different financial tier. The Croatian midfielder left Italy in 2023 on a massive Saudi contract that included both an enormous annual salary and a major signing bonus.

That upfront Saudi money changed his financial life. In a matter of just a few seasons, Brozović added more tax-free cash than he had earned across much of his European career.

• Country / Club: Croatia / Al Nassr
• Net Worth: $85 million
• Financial Engine: Inter Milan earnings, Al Nassr salary, and a massive tax-free Saudi signing bonus.

#12: Kalidou Koulibaly – $90 Million

Kalidou Koulibaly was one of the best-paid defenders in Italy during his Napoli years and later secured a major contract at Chelsea. But the biggest financial leap of his career came after he joined Al Hilal.

His Saudi salary has given him more than $110 million in pure, untaxed liquidity over three seasons. For a defender, that is an extraordinary financial outcome and one of the clearest examples of how the Saudi Pro League reshaped the economics of veteran stars.

• Country / Club: Senegal / Al Hilal
• Net Worth: $90 million
• Financial Engine: Napoli and Chelsea earnings plus more than $110 million in tax-free Saudi salary.

#9: Erling Haaland – $100 Million

Erling Haaland is still young, but his earning trajectory is unlike almost anyone in soccer history. After starring for Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, he joined Manchester City and immediately became one of the most productive goal scorers the Premier League has ever seen.

His wealth is powered by a huge Manchester City contract, massive performance bonuses, and a major Nike deal. While he is not yet as rich as the older legends ahead of him, his long-term earning potential may eventually put him near the very top of the sport.

• Country / Club: Norway / Manchester City
• Net Worth: $100 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City salary, goal bonuses, Nike mega-deal, and historic scoring value.

#9: Son Heung-min – $100 Million

Son Heung-min is one of the richest Asian soccer players in history. After a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, where he became a Premier League star, club captain, and Golden Boot winner, Son moved to LAFC and became one of the highest-paid players in Major League Soccer.

Son’s fortune has been built through Premier League wages, MLS salary, major Asian-market endorsement deals, and enormous commercial appeal in South Korea. His global sponsor portfolio and superstar status across Asia make him one of the most financially powerful players at the 2026 World Cup.

• Country / Club: South Korea / LAFC
• Net Worth: $100 million
• Financial Engine: Tottenham earnings, LAFC salary, Asian-market endorsements, Adidas, Hyundai, and elite South Korean superstar status.

#9: Sadio Mané – $100 Million

Sadio Mané built his reputation at Southampton and Liverpool before turning his success into major earnings at Bayern Munich and Al Nassr. At Liverpool, he was one of the key players in the club’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

His move to Saudi Arabia gave him one of the largest salaries ever earned by an African athlete. Combined with his New Balance endorsement and years of European wages, Mané has built a fortune that places him among the richest players at the tournament.

• Country / Club: Senegal / Al Nassr
• Net Worth: $100 million
• Financial Engine: Liverpool and Bayern wages, New Balance endorsement, and tax-free Al Nassr salary.

#8: Riyad Mahrez – $125 Million

Riyad Mahrez went from French lower-division soccer to Leicester City’s miracle Premier League title, then to Manchester City, and eventually to a massive Saudi contract with Al Ahli. His career is one of the great financial climbs in modern soccer.

Mahrez earned strong Premier League money for years, especially after joining Manchester City, where he won multiple league titles and the Champions League. His move to Al Ahli gave him a huge tax-free salary that built directly on a decade of English earnings.

• Country / Club: Algeria / Al Ahli
• Net Worth: $125 million
• Financial Engine: Leicester and Manchester City wages, Champions League bonuses, endorsements, and tax-free Al Ahli salary.

#7: Kevin De Bruyne – $130 Million

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the best-paid and most productive midfielders of the Premier League era. After developing at Genk, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, and Wolfsburg, he became a Manchester City legend.

At City, De Bruyne spent more than a decade earning elite Premier League wages while winning league titles, domestic trophies, and the Champions League. His wealth also includes bonuses, endorsements, and investments, including interests connected to tech and data-driven ventures.

• Country / Club: Belgium / Manchester City
• Net Worth: $130 million
• Financial Engine: Manchester City salary compounding, Champions League bonuses, endorsements, and tech investments.

#5: Harry Kane – $140 Million

Harry Kane built his fortune through years as Tottenham’s franchise player, England’s captain, and one of the most consistent goal scorers in world soccer. His move to Bayern Munich elevated his salary even further and made him the highest-paid player in Bundesliga history.

Kane’s wealth is not just salary-driven. His commercial portfolio includes a lifetime boot deal with Skechers and partnerships with brands such as Fanatics. His England profile and reputation as one of the world’s most reliable strikers have made him one of the richest players in the sport.

• Country / Club: England / Bayern Munich
• Net Worth: $140 million
• Financial Engine: Tottenham earnings, record Bayern wages, England bonuses, lifetime Skechers deal, and Fanatics partnership.

#5: Mohamed Salah – $140 Million

Mohamed Salah is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, especially across Africa and the Middle East. After early stops at Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Roma, he became a Liverpool legend and one of the defining Premier League players of his generation.

Salah’s Liverpool contract made him one of the highest-paid players in club history. His endorsement income is also massive thanks to his global fan base, Egyptian national hero status, and clean commercial image.

• Country / Club: Egypt / Liverpool
• Net Worth: $140 million
• Financial Engine: Liverpool salary, image rights, global endorsement power, and unmatched appeal across Africa and the Middle East.

#4: Kylian Mbappé – $250 Million

Kylian Mbappé is one of the richest players in soccer despite still being in the prime of his career. His wealth was built through huge PSG contracts, a massive move to Real Madrid, World Cup fame, and premium endorsements.

His Real Madrid compensation is boosted by signing bonuses amortized across the life of his contract, while his off-field income includes major partnerships with Dior, Hublot, and Nike. As the face of French soccer, Mbappé has one of the strongest financial profiles in world sports.

• Country / Club: France / Real Madrid
• Net Worth: $250 million
• Financial Engine: PSG earnings, Real Madrid signing bonuses, Nike, Dior, Hublot, and France superstar status.

#3: Neymar Jr. – $450 Million

Neymar’s net worth reflects more than a decade near the very top of global soccer. He became a star at Santos, joined Barcelona, formed the legendary “MSN” trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, then became the most expensive player in soccer history when PSG activated his €222 million release clause.

His PSG years produced enormous salary income, and his later Al Hilal contract gave him one of the richest deals ever signed by a soccer player. Even after returning to Santos, Neymar remains one of the most marketable athletes in the world, anchored by a premier Puma deal.

• Country / Club: Brazil / Santos
• Net Worth: $450 million
• Financial Engine: Santos fame, Barcelona wages, PSG mega-contract, Al Hilal money, Puma, and global celebrity status.

#2: Lionel Messi – $1 Billion

Lionel Messi is one of two billionaire players at the 2026 World Cup. His fortune was built through decades of elite salary income at Barcelona, a lucrative PSG spell, his groundbreaking Inter Miami deal, and one of the most valuable endorsement portfolios in sports.

Messi’s Inter Miami contract is especially unusual because it includes revenue-sharing elements tied to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass and Adidas jersey sales. Combined with lifetime Adidas terms, global sponsorships, investments, and business holdings, Messi has built one of the most complete financial empires in athlete history.

• Country / Club: Argentina / Inter Miami
• Net Worth: $1 billion
• Financial Engine: Barcelona wages, PSG salary, Inter Miami equity-style upside, Apple TV revenue share, Adidas, and global business portfolio.

#1: Cristiano Ronaldo – $1.2 Billion

With a net worth of $1.2 billion, Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest player at the 2026 World Cup. His fortune is the result of elite longevity, unmatched commercial appeal, and the largest salary package in team sports history.

Ronaldo earned enormous wages at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr. He also built the CR7 brand into a global business spanning apparel, fragrances, hotels, gyms, and licensing. His lifetime Nike deal remains one of the most important endorsement contracts ever signed by a soccer player.

His move to Al Nassr pushed his wealth into another stratosphere. With Saudi payouts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Ronaldo separated himself financially from every other player in the tournament. Cristiano is the first soccer player in history to become a billionaire.

• Country / Club: Portugal / Al Nassr
• Net Worth: $1.2 billion
• Financial Engine: Lifetime Nike deal, CR7 brand empire, Real Madrid and Juventus earnings, and historic Saudi salary payouts.