Ronaldo tops weekly salary rankings, Messi falls to 13th
August 5, 2026 9:15 am
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again emerged as the highest-paid footballer in the world by weekly base salary, while Lionel Messi has dropped to 13th in the latest global earnings rankings.
According to salary figures compiled by Capology and cited by Planet Football on Wednesday, Ronaldo earns an estimated £3.42 million per week at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, comfortably ahead of Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, who reportedly earns £2.01 million per week.
The report highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing financial power in world football, with six Saudi Pro League players featuring among the 15 highest-paid stars.
“Cristiano Ronaldo still ranks as the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League and world football, earning a whopping £3.4 million per week with Al-Nassr,” the report said.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the Premier League’s highest-paid player with a weekly base salary of £525,000, while Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé ranks sixth on £512,992. Vinícius Júnior and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane share ninth place, each earning £410,393 per week.
Messi, who did not feature in the previous edition of the rankings, returns to the list in 13th place following his move to Inter Miami, where he reportedly earns £360,876 per week.
Elsewhere, Jamal Musiala, Darwin Núñez, Virgil van Dijk and Rúben Neves also feature among the world’s 15 highest-paid footballers by weekly base salary.
The figures are based on estimated base wages and do not include performance bonuses, signing-on fees, image rights or commercial endorsement deals.
Top 15 Highest-Paid Footballers by Weekly Base Salary
Cristiano Ronaldo – £3,421,039
Karim Benzema – £2,010,107
Sadio Mané – £656,629
Kalidou Koulibaly – £569,626
Erling Haaland – £525,000
Kylian Mbappé – £512,992
Sergej Milinković-Savić – £418,765
Ivan Toney – £418,765
Vinícius Júnior – £410,393
Harry Kane – £410,393
Jamal Musiala – £374,771
Darwin Núñez – £368,533
Lionel Messi – £360,876
Virgil van Dijk – £350,000
Rúben Neves – £343,417
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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