The upcoming World Cup in North America is set to be a massive spectacle, featuring 48 nations and an incredible 1,248 players. As the elite of the football world gather for the game’s most prestigious prize, the financial landscape of the sport is more visible than ever. While international glory is the primary goal, these athletes are also some of the most highly compensated professionals on the planet.
Using data from Capology, we have identified the top 10 players heading to the tournament who command the highest weekly wages from their respective clubs. This list highlights not only the individual wealth of these stars but also the shifting power dynamics in global club football.
The Dominance of the Saudi Pro League and Premier League Pedigree
A significant trend among the highest earners is the heavy presence of the Saudi Pro League. Currently, five of the top ten players on this list play in Saudi Arabia, a testament to the league’s aggressive recruitment of global icons. Furthermore, nine out of the ten players have experience playing in the English Premier League, showing that the world’s most-watched league remains a primary pipeline for football’s highest earners.
Currently, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the only player in this top ten still active in the Premier League, though Mohamed Salah remains a Liverpool player as he prepares for the final stage of his current contract.
The 10 Highest-Paid Players at the World Cup
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3,470,891 per week (Al-Nassr / Portugal)
The Portuguese legend continues to set records both on and off the pitch. His monumental contract with Al-Nassr places him far ahead of any other player in the world, maintaining his status as football’s most lucrative figure.
2. Riyad Mahrez – £869,388 per week (Al-Ahli / Algeria)
The former Manchester City winger secured a massive deal upon moving to Al-Ahli. As he enters the final year of his current agreement, his performance at the World Cup could be vital for his future career moves.
3. Sadio Mane – £666,198 per week (Al-Nassr / Senegal)
Teaming up with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, Mane is another star who transitioned from the Premier League to a high-value contract in Saudi Arabia. Like several others on this list, he is approaching the final 12 months of his deal.
4. Kalidou Koulibaly – £577,927 per week (Al-Hilal / Senegal)
The Senegalese captain remains one of the highest-paid defenders in the world. His presence in the Saudi Pro League reinforces the financial might of Al-Hilal.
5. Erling Haaland – £525,000 per week (Manchester City / Norway)
The only player currently representing the Premier League in the top five, Haaland’s contract reflects his status as perhaps the most clinical striker in the modern game.
6. Kylian Mbappe – £520,467 per week (Real Madrid / France)
Now at Real Madrid, Mbappe remains the financial cornerstone of the French national team. His move to the Spanish capital was one of the most anticipated transfers in recent history.
7. Ivan Toney – £424,868 per week (Al-Ahli / England)
Toney’s recent move to the Saudi Pro League saw his earnings skyrocket, making him one of the highest-paid English players heading to the tournament.
8. Vinicius Junior – £416,374 per week (Real Madrid / Brazil)
A key figure for both Brazil and Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior is the only player in the top ten who has never played in the Premier League. He is also entering the final year of his current contract terms.
9. Harry Kane – £416,374 per week (Bayern Munich / England)
The England captain’s move to the Bundesliga has seen him maintain his status as one of the world’s top earners. Like many on this list, he will be looking to leverage his performance on the world stage as his contract progresses.
10. Mohamed Salah – £400,000 per week (Liverpool / Egypt)
As he enters the final stages of his time with Liverpool, Salah remains a global icon. With a potential move on the horizon, his showcase at the World Cup will be closely watched by clubs around the world.
Final Thoughts on Player Earnings and Contract Leverage
The upcoming tournament serves as more than just a quest for a trophy; it is a critical platform for many of these high-earning stars. With several players—including Salah, Kane, and Mahrez—approaching the end of their current contracts, a standout performance in North America could provide significant leverage in future negotiations. Whether they remain in the Saudi Pro League or return to Europe’s elite divisions, the financial stakes are just as high as the sporting ones.
