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Ronaldo, Messi Lead as Forbes Reveals World Cup’s Top 11 Highest-Paid Players — Two Billionaires Make the List

Superstar duo earn a combined $440 million in one year, with Kylian Mbappé and Haaland also among the elite

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Superstar duo earn a combined $440 million in one year, with Kylian Mbappé and Haaland also among the elite

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is breaking new ground — not just on the pitch, but in the bank accounts of its biggest stars. According to Forbes, Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi have become the first billionaire footballers to play at a World Cup, topping a list of eleven players whose combined annual earnings reach an astonishing $950 million.

Ronaldo sits at number one with an estimated $300 million in total earnings over the last year, including $235 million from his playing contract and $65 million from endorsements and business ventures. The 41-year-old Portugal captain’s net worth stands at $1.2 billion, underlining his status as football’s top earner — even as the World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from his collection.

Messi follows closely behind with $140 million in annual earnings and a net worth of $1.1 billion. Having guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi continues to be one of sport’s most marketable figures.

French forward Kylian Mbappé is third on the list with $95 million. The Real Madrid star is already a world champion and remains one of global football’s main attractions at just 27 years old. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is fourth with $80 million after helping Norway qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. rounds out the top five with $60 million in earnings and is expected to play a crucial role as Brazil chases a sixth title.

Completing the top eleven are Mohamed Salah (Egypt, $55m), Sadio Mané (Senegal, $54m), Jude Bellingham (England, $44m), Lamine Yamal (Spain, $43m), Harry Kane (England, $41m), and Neymar (Brazil, $38m).

For Nigerian fans hoping for local representation among football’s financial elite, none of the Super Eagles made this year’s rich list. The numbers highlight just how vast the economic gulf remains between Africa’s stars and Europe’s biggest names.

Neither any player nor national team official had issued statements about these Forbes rankings at press time.

The focus now shifts from contracts to performances as the tournament unfolds across cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — with fans eager to see if any new names can break into this exclusive financial club before the next World Cup.

Source: https://punchng.com/full-list-11-highest-paid-players-at-world-cup/

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Bafana Bafana Suffer Record World Cup Blow in 2026 Opener Against Mexico

South Africa make unwanted history as their campaign starts on a sour note, leaving fans stunned and searching for answers.

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22 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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South Africa make unwanted history as their campaign starts on a sour note, leaving fans stunned and searching for answers.

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana created unwanted history in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico. The final score was not reported at press time, and the goalscorers were not confirmed in available reports, but what is clear is that the result left South African supporters reeling as Bafana Bafana set an unfortunate new World Cup record.

The match, which took place at an undisclosed venue on the tournament’s opening day, saw South Africa fall short of expectations. Key moments from the game—including any goals, cards, or tactical changes—were not detailed in the available information. As such, fans are still waiting for a full picture of how events unfolded on the pitch and which players made decisive contributions.

For African football followers and especially for Super Eagles fans keeping an eye on continental rivals, Bafana Bafana’s poor start serves as a reminder of just how tough the World Cup stage can be. The result underlines the growing gap between top international sides and teams still searching for consistency at major tournaments.

Neither South Africa’s coaching crew nor players had issued any post-match statements at press time. Mexican officials and experts have also yet to comment on what this result means for their own campaign or Group standings.

Bafana Bafana will look to bounce back in their next group fixture, with details about their upcoming opponent and venue yet to be confirmed. Supporters across Africa will hope the team can regroup quickly and restore pride before their World Cup hopes slip further away.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/mexico-vs-south-africa-bafana-bafana-create-unwanted-world-cup-history-in-2026-opener-2026061120230689787

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Burna Boy and Shakira Thrill 80,000 Fans at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

Massive crowd witnesses Nigerian superstar Burna Boy light up the stage alongside Shakira as tournament kicks off

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27 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Massive crowd witnesses Nigerian superstar Burna Boy light up the stage alongside Shakira as tournament kicks off

Nigerian music sensation Burna Boy and global superstar Shakira delivered a powerful performance in front of 80,000 fans at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The event took place at a venue not specified in available reports, marking a colourful start to football’s biggest tournament. Both artistes brought their unique energy to the stage, igniting excitement among fans and setting the tone for the competition ahead.

Details about which songs were performed or specific moments from the show were not provided in the available report. However, Burna Boy’s presence at such a global sporting occasion stands as another milestone for Nigerian music on the world stage, while Shakira’s return to World Cup ceremonies drew cheers from across the stadium.

For Nigerian sports and music fans, seeing Burna Boy share the spotlight at an event of this magnitude highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in global culture. The performance drew reactions on social media, with many celebrating Burna Boy as a symbol of national pride.

Neither Burna Boy nor Shakira had issued official statements about their performances at press time. FIFA organisers also had not released an official review or attendance breakdown for the ceremony.

The World Cup now moves into its opening round of fixtures, with football fans across Nigeria looking forward to action on the pitch and hoping that the energy from the opening ceremony carries into memorable moments throughout the tournament.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/watch-burna-boy-and-shakira-electrify-80000-fans-at-fifa-world-cup-opening-ceremony-2026061119593216396

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Burna Boy and Shakira Thrill 80,000 Fans at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Spectacular Fashion

Nigerian music superstar and global icon Shakira light up the World Cup stage as fans celebrate a night to remember

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37 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Nigerian music superstar and global icon Shakira light up the World Cup stage as fans celebrate a night to remember

The FIFA World Cup opening ceremony drew a massive crowd of 80,000 fans, all treated to unforgettable performances by Burna Boy and Shakira. The event took place at an unspecified venue and date, as these details were not provided in available reports. Both artists brought high energy to the stage, setting the mood for the start of football’s biggest tournament.

The show kicked off with Burna Boy delivering his signature Afro-fusion sound, capturing the attention of the packed stadium. Shakira followed up with a set that kept the crowd on their feet, showing why she remains a global favourite for World Cup ceremonies. There was no information on additional performers or special moments during the show.

For Nigerian fans, Burna Boy’s presence on such a global platform is another proud moment for the nation’s music industry. His inclusion in the ceremony highlights Nigeria’s growing influence on international entertainment stages. The event also marked another memorable chapter in Shakira’s long history with FIFA tournaments.

Neither Burna Boy nor Shakira had issued statements about their performances at press time. There were also no official comments from FIFA organisers regarding fan reactions or behind-the-scenes details.

As the World Cup gets underway following this electrifying opening night, all eyes now turn to the pitch as teams begin their quest for football glory. Match schedules and further entertainment updates will be released by FIFA in due course.

Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/burna-boy-and-shakira-electrify-80000-fans-at-fifa-world-cup-opening-ceremony-2026061119593216396

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