Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World in 2026: Messi's Ranking Surprises

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list of highest-paid athletes in 2026 with $300 million, followed by Canelo Alvarez with $170 million. Lionel Messi ranks third with $140 million, having extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028. For the first time in thirty years, Tiger Woods does not appear in this ranking, while basketball, particularly due to the NBA, is prominently represented.