The top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2026

Who are the 10 footballers with the highest salaries in 2026? Check out the top 10, dominated by five players plying their trade in Saudi Arabia at the top of the rankings.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest-paid footballer on the planet. The Al-Nassr superstar earns €207 million per year, far surpassing Riyad Mahrez, who brings in €55 million with Al-Ahli.

Karim Benzema, who moved from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, sits third with annual earnings of €53 million. Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly round out the fourth and fifth spots respectively.

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The only players outside Saudi Arabia to make the list are Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.

Here is the Top 10:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr: €207M/year

2. Riyad Mahrez – Al Ahli: €55M/year

3. Karim Benzema – Al Ittihad: €53M/year

4. Sadio Mané – Al Nassr: €42M/year

5. Kalidou Koulibaly – Al Hilal: €36M/year

6. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid: €33.5M/year

7. Erling Haaland – Man City: €32.5M/year

8. Milinković-Savić – Al Hilal: €27M/year

9. Ivan Toney – Al Ahli: €27M/year

10. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich: €26.5M/year

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

Related teams and leagues

Al Nassr FC

Pro League Saudi Arabia