Messi and Ronaldo: expected earnings for the season
Why it matters
The projected earnings for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo highlight not only their status as football icons, but also their continued commercial appeal. While Messi reaches a career high of $145 million, he is still far from Ronaldo's $300 million, underscoring the disparity between the two. This situation could influence expectations for the future of both players and their impact on the football market.
Context
Messi, currently at PSG, and Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, are the two highest paid footballers in the world. Their careers, while nearing the end, continue to generate huge earnings through salaries and sponsorships, maintaining a significant influence in global football.
Key points
- Messi and Ronaldo: expected earnings for the season.
- Lionel Messi expects to earn $145 million for the 2026-2027 season, his career high, but still well below Cristiano Ronaldo's $300 million.
- Lập kỷ lục kiếm tiền, Messi vẫn kém một nửa Ronaldo.
The Forbes ranking, published on October 17, reveals that both Messi and Ronaldo continue to dominate the football landscape, even as their careers draw to a close. The earnings of both players come mainly from salaries, bonuses and sponsorships, and the total sum expected for these two athletes amounts to 445 million dollars, a value that represents almost half of the 942 million dollars earned by the ten best footballers in the world this season.
This figure is slightly lower than the $945 million in 2025, a decrease due to the absence of Karim Benzema, who is now a free agent after his contract with Al Hilal expired in the summer of 2026. Ronaldo, whose income of $300 million includes $250 million from Al Nassr and $50 million from sponsorships and deals, continues to thrive thanks to an extremely lucrative contract.
On the other hand, Messi will earn around $70 million from his contract with Inter Miami, along with $75 million from trade deals and investments. Both athletes have amassed sizable fortunes and Forbes estimates they are on their way to becoming billionaires. Ronaldo, for example, became the first active athlete to surpass $2 billion in overall career earnings.
Ronaldo benefits from a series of investments and his CR7 brand, which includes fashion, perfumes and a hotel chain. He has also invested in technology companies such as Perplexity and WHOOP. Although he has stated that the 2026-2027 season could be his last, he has not yet made a final decision regarding his retirement.
Messi, for his part, has expanded his business activity with new contracts, including deals with OpenAI and Duracell, and has bought stakes in football clubs such as Cornella and Eldense. His agreement with Inter Miami will last until 2028, with an option that allows him to purchase shares in the club after retiring.
Third place in the Forbes ranking goes to Kylian Mbappe, who will earn 100 million dollars, followed by Erling Haaland with 85 million and Vinicius Junior with 76 million. The list highlights how young talents are starting to gain attention, although they are still far from reaching the financial levels of Messi and Ronaldo, who have dominated world football for over two decades.
What happens now
With the 2026-2027 season on the horizon, fans are wondering how these earnings will affect the careers of Messi and Ronaldo. Both players are nearing the end of their careers, but continue to dominate the football landscape, leaving a legacy that will influence future generations. Furthermore, the presence of young stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland could change the economic landscape of football in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lionel Messi's expected earnings in the 2026-2027 season?
Lionel Messi is expected to earn $145 million for the 2026-2027 season.
How much will Cristiano Ronaldo earn in the 2026-2027 season?
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to earn $300 million in the 2026-2027 season.
What is the total expected earnings for Messi and Ronaldo together?
The total expected earnings for Messi and Ronaldo amount to 445 million dollars.
How do Messi and Ronaldo's earnings influence the ranking of the highest paid footballers?
Messi and Ronaldo continue to dominate the football landscape and account for almost half of the $942 million earned by the ten best footballers in the world.
Why have the total earnings of top players decreased compared to 2025?
The decrease in total earnings is due to the absence of Karim Benzema, who is a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Al Hilal.
