Sadio Mane has been named the seventh highest-paid footballer in the world, with Forbes estimating his total earnings at $54m (£? no, don't convert) – around 31bn CFA francs – in its rankings published on 17 October 2026.

The Al Nassr forward is the highest-ranked Senegalese player on the list, which places him among the leading figures in world football both financially and commercially. At 34, Mane remains firmly inside the global top 10 despite increasing competition at the top end of the sport.

Mane is just behind FC Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who is sixth on $55m. The Senegal international is ahead of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah, who completes the top 10.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the standings by a considerable margin, with Forbes putting his earnings at $300m. Lionel Messi is second on $145m, while Kylian Mbappe occupies third place on $100m.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is fourth with $85m, followed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior on $76m. Yamal’s $55m places him immediately above Mane, whose overall figure is made up of income from football and activities away from the pitch.

According to Forbes, $50m of Mane’s earnings come from his sporting activities. A further $4m is attributed to commercial partnerships and other off-field work.

Those figures underline the scale of Mane’s economic influence beyond Senegal. His profile has been shaped by his years at Liverpool, his achievements with the national team and his continued presence at the highest level of international football.

Mane is a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Senegal and remains the country’s best-placed representative in the Forbes ranking. His seventh position is another recognition of a career that has combined major sporting success with substantial international appeal.

At Al Nassr, he continues to play in a Saudi Arabian league that has attracted a number of high-profile international players. He remains one of the competition’s most visible figures as he continues his career in the country.

Forbes’ top 10 highest-paid footballers in 2026 are:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr, $300m 2. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami, $145m 3. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid, $100m 4. Erling Haaland – Manchester City, $85m 5. Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid, $76m 6. Lamine Yamal – FC Barcelona, $55m 7. Sadio Mane – Al Nassr, $54m 8. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid, $45m 9. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich, $42m 10. Mohamed Salah – Trabzonspor, $40m