Footballers Private Jets — 2026 World Cup

The footballers who own their private jet

For a player at the top, a private jet is more than a symbol: it is a tool for recovery and for managing a packed calendar. Three of the stars expected in 2026 own their aircraft.

Lionel Messi — Gulfstream V

The captain of Argentina, the reigning world champions, owns a Gulfstream V registered LV-IRQ. The aircraft carries his number 10 on the tail fin and his family's initials on the fuselage. This long-range jet, acquired around 2018, lets him connect Europe and South America with ample range — an asset for a player shared between club, country and personal commitments.

Cristiano Ronaldo — Bombardier Global Express XRS

Portugal's captain has reshaped his personal fleet: he replaced his Gulfstream G200 with a Bombardier Global Express XRS, personalised with his "CR7" initials. With a range of more than 9,000 km and a cruising speed close to 900 km/h, the aircraft links Europe and the Middle East — where he now plays for Al-Nassr — non-stop. A logical choice for regular long-haul travel.

Neymar — Cessna Citation Sovereign and Embraer Phenom 100

The Brazilian forward, back in the national team after a long absence, owns several aircraft. His Cessna Citation Sovereign, a midsize jet acquired in 2016, is complemented by an Embraer Phenom 100 registered PT-LBL, lighter and suited to short hops within Brazil. A personal fleet built to combine regional trips and longer journeys.

Own or charter? The choice of Mbappé and Haaland

Owning a jet means committing to a single aircraft and to fixed costs, whether you fly or not. More and more athletes prefer chartering: the flexibility of choosing the right aircraft for each trip. Two of 2026's stars illustrate the trend.

Kylian Mbappé — chartering a Challenger 350

France's forward does not own an aircraft: he charters, notably a Bombardier Challenger 350, a super-midsize jet ideal for European links. The logic is clear: a calendar that shifts with matches and obligations, no aircraft to keep idle, and the freedom to match the jet to the distance. Access rather than ownership.

Erling Haaland — from the Piper to chartering

The Norwegian striker, who will play his first World Cup, has taken the opposite path to many stars: after owning a Piper M600, he sold it to switch to chartering. A deliberate decision that favours flexibility and avoids the operating constraints of an owned aircraft.

Why elite football travels by private jet

Beyond prestige, private aviation answers concrete needs specific to top-level sport:

• An unpredictable calendar: matches, international duty, commercial obligations — the private jet adapts where scheduled flights impose their timetables.
• Recovery: less waiting, boarding in fifteen minutes, optimised rest between fixtures.
• Discretion and security: private terminals, away from the crowds, for highly exposed figures.
• Team travel: to move a full squad and its staff, group charter calls for a wide-body or a dedicated aircraft.

The 2026 World Cup amplifies these stakes: spread across three countries and an entire continent, it requires significant travel between host cities. Chartering a private jet to or from these destinations becomes a logistical as much as a sporting advantage.

Charter a private jet with IBC Aviation

Whether for an individual trip, a delegation or an event, IBC Aviation arranges bespoke charters, from 4 to 189 passengers. Our teams select from our fleet the aircraft suited to each journey — from a light jet for a European link to an ultra-long-range jet for intercontinental travel — and handle permits and all ground logistics.

To charter a private jet to or from the host cities of the World Cup, or for a team's travel, our teams provide a personalised quote within the hour, available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

Which private jet does Cristiano Ronaldo own?

Cristiano Ronaldo owns a Bombardier Global Express XRS, which replaced his previous Gulfstream G200. Personalised with his "CR7" initials, the aircraft offers a range of more than 9,000 km, enough to link Europe and the Middle East non-stop.

Which aircraft does Lionel Messi own?

Lionel Messi flies a Gulfstream V registered LV-IRQ, recognisable by the number 10 on its tail fin. It is a long-range jet acquired around 2018.

Does Kylian Mbappé own a private jet?

No. Kylian Mbappé does not own an aircraft: he prefers to charter, notably a Bombardier Challenger 350, to keep flexibility against a shifting calendar.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet like the footballers'?

The price depends on the aircraft, the number of passengers, the itinerary and the dates. A European link on a light jet does not cost the same as an intercontinental flight on an ultra-long-range jet. Our teams provide a personalised, all-inclusive quote within the hour.

Can you charter a private jet to attend the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. IBC Aviation arranges charters to or from the host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, for an individual trip as much as for a group, with end-to-end support.

Sources: Simple Flying, Robb Report. Information on the players' aircraft comes from the specialist press and is subject to change.