Forbes Ranks Highest-Paid Soccer Players in 2026

The story so far

2 publishers have covered this in 2 articles since 2 Nov 2026. Quartz published first, on 2 November at 14:52 UTC; SI Feed followed 36h 07m later. The most recent article, from SI Feed, appeared on 4 November at 03:00 UTC.

Outlets reporting it: Quartz, SI Feed.

3 prediction markets price this story:

• Will Lionel Messi win 2026 MLS Most Valuable Player? — the market puts it at 88%, with $3k traded in the last 24 hours, closing 1 Jan 2027. The market resolves to "Yes" if Lionel Messi is named the 2026 MLS Most Valuable Player according to official Major League Soccer results. It resolves to "No" if any other player wins the award or if the season ends without a declared winner after December 31, 2026. Readers often mistake the linked news story about future stars for the actual MVP announcement.
• Cristiano Ronaldo — the market puts it at 47%, with $73 traded in the last 24 hours, closing 1 Jul 2027. The market resolves to Yes if Cristiano Ronaldo announces his retirement from all professional soccer before July 1, 2027. This requires him to stop playing in both domestic leagues and international matches. Readers often mistake a temporary break or a single match withdrawal for a full retirement.
• Sporting CP — the market puts it at 10%, closing 9 Sept 2027. The market resolves to Yes if Cristiano Ronaldo signs with Sporting CP before September 2, 2027. It resolves to No if he joins any other club or does not sign with Sporting CP by that date. Readers often mistake the deadline for the announcement of his intentions rather than the actual signing date.

Odds are the market's probability that the outcome happens, updated every few minutes. They are information about what traders expect, not a forecast we make and not investment advice.