Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World

Richest footballers in the world have amassed incredible wealth through their salaries, endorsements, and business ventures. The top players in the sport have become global icons, earning millions from their talents on the field and their marketability off it. Here are the top 10 richest footballers in the world, based on their net worth, salary, and other sources of income.

These athletes have leveraged their success on the pitch to build lucrative brands, partnering with top sponsors and investing in various industries. From real estate to fashion, they have diversified their portfolios and ensured their wealth will continue to grow long after their playing careers end.

The list features legendary players with numerous accolades and current stars dominating the sport. Their net worth is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and smart financial decisions. Get ready for a blast from the past! Explore the top 10 greatest football teams of all time before we reveal the richest players in the sport

Let’s count down the top 10 richest footballers in the world…

1. Meet Faiq Bolkiah: The First World’s Richest Footballer

With a staggering net worth of $20 billion, Faiq Bolkiah takes the top spot as the wealthiest football player globally. As the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Bolkiah’s familial wealth and royal lineage contribute significantly to his vast net worth.

On the field, Bolkiah is a skilled winger and midfielder, representing the Brunei national team and currently playing for Maritimo in Portugal.

Bolkiah’s unique blend of athletic talent and royal affluence sets him apart from other footballers. His wealth and status grant access to exclusive opportunities, enabling a life of luxury and privilege alongside his football passion.

Some interesting facts about Faiq Bolkiah:

He has played for several teams, including:

• Chonburi F.C. in Thailand and Maritimo in Portugal.
• His uncle, the Sultan of Brunei, is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
• Bolkiah’s net worth is estimated to be over 10 times that of the next richest footballer.
• Bolkiah’s football career has taken him to various countries, exposing him to different cultures and playing styles.

Life of Luxury and Philanthropy

He owns several properties worldwide, including a lavish mansion in Brunei and a luxurious penthouse in London. His car collection boasts a Bentley Continental GT and a Ferrari 488 GTB, among other rare and expensive vehicles.

He supports various charitable causes, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives in Brunei. His philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many in his home country.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Second World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $903 million, Cristiano Ronaldo stands as the second-richest footballer globally, trailing only behind Faiq Bolkiah. As the captain of the Portugal national team and a forward for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s impressive skills on the field have earned him a plethora of accolades, including a record-breaking five Ballon d’Or awards.

He holds the record for the most goals scored in international football, solidifying his position as a legendary player. His impressive skills and achievements have led to a long-standing rivalry with fellow football icon, Lionel Messi, with fans and critics constantly comparing their records and skills.

Ronaldo’s Success On and Off the Field

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the sport, earning numerous titles and individual awards. Ronaldo’s hard work and success drive his impressive net worth. Lucrative endorsement deals, business ventures, and club salaries fuel his wealth.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

He has donated to various charitable causes, including disaster relief and healthcare initiatives. In his personal life, Ronaldo is a devoted father to his four children and has been in a long-term relationship with Georgina Rodriguez.

Business Ventures and Endorsements

Ronaldo’s business acumen is impressive, with investments in various ventures, including:

• A hotel chain, CR7 Hotels
• A digital marketing agency, ROC Live
• A fitness app, CR7 Fitness
• A clothing line, CR7 Underwear

He partners with top brands – Nike, Tag Heuer, and Herbalife – for lucrative endorsement deals.

Some interesting facts about Cristiano Ronaldo:

• He has won numerous titles with top-tier clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
• He has been named the UEFA Best Player in Europe three times.
• Ronaldo’s social media presence is immense, with over 500 million followers across platforms.
• He has invested in various business ventures, including a hotel chain, a digital marketing agency, and a fitness app.

3. Lionel Messi: The Third World’s Richest Footballer

With a staggering net worth of $600 million, Lionel Messi stands as the third-richest footballer globally. The Argentine forward has left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating fans worldwide with his extraordinary skills on the field. As the captain of the Argentinian national team and a forward for Paris Saint-Germain, Messi continues to break records and defy expectations.

A Legendary Career

Messi’s outstanding achievements have earned him widespread recognition, as he actively collects accolades, including a record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or awards, solidifying his position as the most awarded player in football history. His remarkable skills have earned him recognition from fellow football legends, cementing his status as a sports icon of the 21st century.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

He has supported various charitable causes, including education and healthcare initiatives. In his personal life, Messi is a devoted husband to Antonella Roccuzzo and father to their three sons.

Business Ventures and Endorsements

Messi’s business acumen is impressive, with investments in various ventures, including:

• A hotel chain, Messi Hotels
• A football academy, Messi Academy
• A clothing line, Messi Clothing
• A partnership with Adidas, among other top brands

Some interesting facts about Lionel Messi:

• He has led his teams to numerous championships, including four UEFA Champions League titles.
• Messi is known for his humility and kindness, often using his platform to support charitable causes.
• He has been named the UEFA Best Player in Europe three times.
• Messi’s social media presence is immense, with over 400 million followers across platforms.
• He has invested in various business ventures, including a hotel chain and a football academy.

Legacy and Impact

Messi’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. As he continues to break records and defy expectations, Messi solidifies his position as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

4. David Beckham: The Fourth World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $450 million, David Beckham stands as the fourth-richest footballer globally. The former attacking midfielder left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating fans worldwide with his exceptional skills and charismatic personality. Beckham’s impressive resume includes stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he claimed 19 major trophies: six Premier League titles, one La Liga title, and one MLS Cup.

A Legendary Career

David Beckham’s dedication, passion, and natural talent propelled him to achieve greatness on the field. He drove Manchester United’s dominance of the Premier League in the 1990s and early 2000s, playing a crucial role in the team’s success. In 2003, Beckham made a bold move to Real Madrid, taking his career to new heights. Beckham’s success extended beyond Europe, as he won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011.

Post-Retirement Ventures

Beckham remains a respected figure in the sports world, with his legacy enduring beyond his 2013 retirement from professional football. He has invested in various business ventures, including:

• Inter Miami FC, a Major League Soccer team
• Salford City, a League Two club in England
• A whiskey company, Haig Club
• A clothing line, Kent & Curwen

Some interesting facts about David Beckham:

• He was the first English player to win league titles in four different countries.
• Beckham was named the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 1999.
• He has been married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham since 1999.
• Beckham has four children, including three sons and one daughter.
• He has been recognized for his contributions to football with a UEFA President’s Award.

Legacy and Impact

Beckham’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. As a style icon and cultural phenomenon, Beckham continues to influence popular culture, cementing his status as one of the most beloved and respected figures in football history.

5. Dave Whelan: The Fifth World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $210 million, Dave Whelan is a testament to success both on and off the field. Born in 1936, Whelan’s football career spanned over a decade, playing as a winger for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra. His achievements on the pitch include winning the Football League Third Division North title with Blackburn Rovers in the 1959-60 season.

Post-Football Ventures

After retiring from professional football in 1966, Whelan transitioned into business, achieving remarkable success. He founded JJB Sports, a leading UK sports retailer, and later became the owner and chairman of Wigan Athletic Football Club for 20 years. Under his leadership, Wigan Athletic experienced significant growth, including promotion to the Premier League in 2005.

Some interesting facts about Dave Whelan:

• He was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Wigan in 2008 for his services to the community.
• Whelan has been inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
• He has written an autobiography, “Playing to Win,” detailing his life and career.
• Whelan has been recognized for his contributions to business, including being named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002.

Legacy and Impact

Dave Whelan’s impact on football and business is a lasting one. His dedication, perseverance, and leadership have inspired countless individuals, leaving a legacy that extends beyond his net worth. As a footballer, businessman, and philanthropist, Whelan’s story serves as a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

6. Neymar Jr.: The Sixth World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $200 million, Neymar Jr. is a force to be reckoned with in the football world. As a forward for PSG and a member of the Brazil national team, he has solidified his position as one of the greatest Brazilian football players of all time. His impressive career is marked by numerous achievements, including two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and the UEFA Champions League in 2015 with Barcelona.

A Legendary Career

Neymar’s success on the field is complemented by his charismatic personality and high-profile friendships, including his bond with Lionel Messi. Their friendship has been a highlight among football enthusiasts, with both players currently teammates at PSG. Neymar’s contributions to Brazil’s national team have been instrumental in their victories, including the Olympic gold medal in 2016 and the Copa América in 2019.

Some interesting facts about Neymar Jr.:

• He has been named the South American Footballer of the Year twice.
• Neymar has over 150 million followers on Instagram.
• He has been featured on the cover of numerous video games, including FIFA.
• Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 was a world-record $263 million.

Legacy and Impact

Neymar Jr.’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Seventh World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $190 million, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a retired football icon from Sweden, renowned for his exceptional skills as a striker. His impressive career was marked by stints with top-tier clubs like AC Milan, where he showcased his signature acrobatic strikes, technique, and ball control. Ibrahimovic’s impressive goal-scoring record, with over 560 goals throughout his career, solidifies his position as one of the greatest strikers in football history.

A Record-Breaking Career

Ibrahimovic’s achievements on the field are a testament to his dedication and natural talent. He is Sweden’s all-time leading goal scorer with 62 goals, a record that may stand for years to come. His impressive skills and charismatic personality have made him a beloved figure among football fans worldwide.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

He has supported various charitable initiatives, including education and healthcare programs.

Some interesting facts about Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

• He has won numerous titles with top-tier clubs like Ajax, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Ibrahimovic has been named the Swedish Footballer of the Year a record 12 times.
• He has written an autobiography, “I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” detailing his life and career.
• Ibrahimovic has been recognized for his contributions to football, including being named the UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2011.

Legacy and Impact

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

8. Kylian Mbappé: The Eight World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $180 million, Kylian Mbappé is a talented young footballer from France, making waves in the sport with his exceptional speed and goal-scoring abilities. As a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team, Mbappé has established himself as a dominant force in the football world.

Awards and Accolades

At just a young age, Mbappé has accumulated an impressive collection of prestigious awards, including:

• 4 Ligue 1 titles
• 3 Coupe de France titles
• 2 Coupe de la Ligue titles with PSG

Golden Boot award

His achievements on the field are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent.

Friendship and Rivalries

Mbappé’s friendship with fellow footballer Achraf Hakimi has been a highlight of his career, with the two players often showcasing their camaraderie on social media.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

He has supported various charitable initiatives, including education and healthcare programs. In his personal life, Mbappé is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, often engaging with fans on social media.

Some interesting facts about Kylian Mbappé:

• Mbappé has been named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year twice.
• He has been featured on the cover of numerous video games, including FIFA.
• Mbappé has been recognized for his contributions to football, including being named the UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2020.

Legacy and Impact

Kylian Mbappé’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of young players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

9. Wayne Rooney: The Ninth World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $170 million, Wayne Rooney is a retired English professional footballer who left an indelible mark on the sport. His rise to international fame began as a teenager, playing for the esteemed Manchester United, where he became the youngest goal scorer in Premier League history at the time.

A Decorated Career

Rooney’s impressive career was punctuated by numerous accolades, including:

• 13 trophies with Manchester United
• 1 FIFA Club World Cup title
• 5 Premier League titles
• 1 UEFA Champions League title
• 1 FA Cup title
• 2 League Cup titles

He retired from football in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest English strikers of all time.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Rooney is committed to philanthropy in England, his home country. He has supported various charitable initiatives, including education and healthcare programs. In his personal life, Rooney is known for his down-to-earth personality and dedication to his family.

Some interesting facts about Wayne Rooney:

• He made his professional debut at just 16 years old.
• Rooney is a one-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
• He has been featured on the cover of numerous video games, including FIFA.

Legacy and Impact

Wayne Rooney’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

10. Ronaldo Luís Nazário: The Tenth World’s Richest Footballer

With a net worth of $160 million, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, is a retired Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.

A Trailblazing Career

He serves as a UN goodwill ambassador, utilizing his influence to drive positive change in charitable initiatives, with achievements including:

• 2 FIFA World Cup titles
• 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup title
• 1 UEFA Champions League title
• 3 Copa América titles
• 2 Ballon d’Or awards

Philanthropy and Personal Life

He has supported various charitable initiatives, including education and healthcare programs. In his personal life, Ronaldo is known for his charismatic personality and dedication to his family.

Some interesting facts about Ronaldo Luís Nazário:

• He was named the FIFA World Player of the Year three times.
• Ronaldo has been inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame.
• He has been featured on the cover of numerous video games, including FIFA.
• Ronaldo has been recognized for his contributions to football, including being named the UEFA Best Player in Europe in 1998.

Legacy and Impact

Ronaldo Luís Nazário’s impact on football extends beyond his impressive career statistics. He has inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

Before you go you can also check our article on best football teams of all time.

Share your thoughts! Who’s your favorite football star and do you think they deserve their spot on the list? Let us know in the comments below!”