The richest footballers in the world are those who have achieved great success in the sport and have earned substantial amounts of money. Football, or soccer, is a hugely popular sport played and watched by millions of people worldwide. It has become a massive industry worth billions of dollars.
The top footballers in terms of wealth earn millions of dollars each year. They receive high salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals from various brands. These earnings, combined with smart investments and business ventures, contribute to their impressive fortunes.
In addition to their on-field accomplishments, many of these wealthy footballers have diversified their income streams by owning businesses or engaging in other lucrative ventures. This allows them to generate even more wealth beyond their salaries and endorsements.
It’s important to note that the rankings of the richest footballers can change over time as players sign new contracts, secure endorsement deals, or make successful investments. The world of football provides tremendous opportunities for financial success for those who reach the highest levels of the game.
1. Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion
2. Lionel Messi | $600 million
3. Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million
4. David Beckham | $450 million
5. Dave Whelan | $210 million
6. Neymar Jr. | $200 million
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million
8. Kylian Mbappe | $180 million
9. Wayne Rooney | $170 million
10. Ronaldo Luís Nazário | $160 million
1. Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion
Team: Chonburi F.C., Thailand
Records: Richest football player in the world
Faiq Bolkiah is a professional footballer from Brunei who plays as a winger for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand and represents the Brunei national team. He is also known as the richest footballer in the world, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion.
Bolkiah has been a member of the Brunei national team since 2014 and was appointed as the team’s captain in 2018. His skills and leadership abilities have made him an important figure in Bruneian football.
It is noteworthy that Bolkiah comes from a prominent family in Brunei. His father, Jefri Bolkiah, is the Prince of Brunei, and his uncle, Hassanal Bolkiah, holds the title of Sultan of Brunei. Their influential positions have contributed to Faiq Bolkiah’s notable financial wealth.
Despite his immense wealth, Bolkiah remains committed to his passion for football and continues to represent both his club and national team with dedication.
2. Lionel Messi | $600 million
Team: Paris Saint-Germain
Records: Most Balloon D’Or award winner, Most Liga goals, etc..
Awards: World Soccer Player of the Year, FIFA Balloon D’Or, etc..
Books: The “GOAT” Messi and more
Movie: Lionel Messi: The Greatest
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. He is an Argentine professional player who currently serves as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in the French league. Messi also captains the Argentina national team.
In terms of wealth, Messi is recognized as the second richest footballer globally, with an estimated net worth of $600 million. His exceptional talent and success on the field have contributed to his financial prosperity.
Messi’s list of achievements is remarkable. He has won an astonishing 7 Ballon d’Or awards, a record-breaking feat. This prestigious accolade is given to the best football player in the world, and Messi has received it more times than any other player. Additionally, he has secured six European Golden Shoes, an honor bestowed upon the top goal scorer in European leagues. In 2020, he was also honored by being named to the Ballon d’Or Dream Team, which recognizes the greatest players of all time.
Messi’s exceptional skills, numerous awards, and substantial wealth have made him an iconic figure in the world of football, capturing the admiration and respect of fans around the globe.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million
Team: Al Nassar
Records: Highest goal-scorer in football
Awards: European Golden Shoe, FIFA Balloon D’Or
Books: Cristiano Ronaldo: The Rise of a Winner
Movie: Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at its Feet
Cristiano Ronaldo is a football player from Portugal who serves as the captain of the national team. He plays as a forward for Al Nassr, a football club based in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo has achieved significant success throughout his career and has been recognized with numerous accolades.
One of his notable achievements is winning five Ballon d’Or awards, which is the highest honor given to a football player. This record places him as the European player with the most Ballon d’Or wins.
Ronaldo holds the remarkable title of being the all-time leading goal scorer in international football. He has scored the highest number of goals while representing his national team, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring abilities.
4. David Beckham | $450 million
Team: Manchester United
Records: Only player to win League titles in 4 countries, and more
Awards: Premier League Player of the Month, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and more
Books: Beckham: My World (autobiography)
Movie: King Arthur, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
David Beckham was a renowned professional footballer who made a name for himself as an attacking midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the top players of his generation and enjoyed immense popularity worldwide.
Beckham showcased his skills and talents while playing for notable clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, the LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. Throughout his career, he achieved remarkable success, winning a total of 19 major trophies. This includes six Premier League titles, one La Liga title, and one MLS Cup, among others.
In 2013, Beckham decided to retire from professional football, concluding his playing career on a high note. Even after his retirement, he remains a prominent figure in the football world and continues to inspire many aspiring players.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Beckham has also amassed significant wealth. He is currently recognized as the fourth richest football player, with an estimated net worth of $450 million. This is a testament to his success and the global appeal he garnered throughout his career.
David Beckham’s impact on football extends beyond his playing days. He remains an influential figure and continues to make a positive contribution to the sport and various charitable endeavors.
5. Dave Whelan | $210 million
Team: Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra
Awards: Freedom of the Borough
Books: David Whelan: Playing to Win – The Autobiography
Dave Whelan is an English former footballer who made a name for himself as a talented winger. He was born on November 24, 1936, in Bradford, England. During his career, Whelan played for notable clubs such as Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra.
One of Whelan’s notable achievements was winning the Football League Third Division North title with Blackburn Rovers in the 1959-60 season. He showcased his skills and dedication on the field throughout his playing years.
After retiring from professional football in 1966, Whelan transitioned into a successful career as a businessman. He ventured into various business endeavors and made a significant impact in the business world. Notably, he founded the Wigan Athletic football club, which gained prominence in the football community.
Whelan’s accomplishments in business have contributed to his notable net worth, which is estimated to be around $210 million. His entrepreneurial spirit and success are a testament to his drive and determination beyond his football career.
Dave Whelan’s journey from a professional footballer to a successful businessman exemplifies his versatility and passion for both sports and entrepreneurship. His contributions to the football industry and the business world have left a lasting legacy.
6. Neymar Jr. | $200 million
Team: Paris Saint-Germain
Records: Youngest player to reach 100 caps for Brazil, All-time highest scorer for Santos
Awards: Balloon D’Or, FIFA Puskas, Player of the Year
Books: Neymar: My Story: Conversations with My Father
Movie: Neymar: The Perfect Chaos
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar Jr. or simply Neymar, is a talented football player from Brazil. He plays as a forward for the French club Paris Saint-Germain and represents the Brazil national team.
Considered one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time, Neymar has achieved remarkable success throughout his career. He has won two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and even lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy in 2015 as part of Barcelona.
In addition to his club achievements, Neymar has made significant contributions to the Brazilian national team. He played a crucial role in helping Brazil secure the Olympic gold medal in 2016 and was instrumental in their victory at the Copa América in 2019.
Neymar’s skill, speed, and technical abilities have earned him widespread recognition and admiration from football fans around the world. His flair and creativity on the field make him a joy to watch, and his performances have solidified his status as one of the most talented players of his generation.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million
Team: Serie A Club AC Milan
Records: Oldest player ever to score in Serie A, Greatest Striker of All-Time, and more
Awards: Best MLS Player ESPY Award, FIFA Puskas, Golden Foot, Serie A Player of the Year, and many more
Books: I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović (autobiography)
Movie: Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom (Cameo)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a talented footballer from Sweden, is known for his exceptional skills as a striker. He currently plays for the Serie A club AC Milan and represents the Sweden national team.
Considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, Ibrahimovic has showcased his talent across several prestigious clubs. He has played for renowned teams such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan.
Throughout his career, Ibrahimovic has amassed an impressive collection of trophies and accolades. He has won a remarkable 33 trophies, including 11 league titles, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup title. These achievements highlight his impact and success in the world of football.
In addition to his club achievements, Ibrahimovic has made significant contributions to the Swedish national team. He played a vital role in helping Sweden qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2018, showcasing his skills on the international stage.
8. Kylian Mbappe | $180 million
Team: Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain
Records: Four goals in two appearances in the FIFA World Cup finals, and more
Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, Golden Boy, Kopa Trophy, and more
Books: Kylian Mbappe: World Soccer Star and more
Kylian Mbappé, a talented footballer from France, is known for his incredible skills and is considered one of the best players in the world. He plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain in the French league, as well as representing the France national team.
At a young age, Mbappé has already established himself as one of the most exciting players of his generation. He has achieved great success with Paris Saint-Germain, winning four Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France titles, and two Coupe de la Ligue titles. These accomplishments demonstrate his impact and contributions to the team’s success.
In addition to his team achievements, Mbappé has been recognized individually for his outstanding performances. He won the prestigious Golden Boot award in Ligue 1 in the seasons 2018-19 and 2021-22, which is given to the league’s top goal scorer.
Mbappé’s exceptional speed, agility, and technical abilities have made him a formidable force on the field. His ability to score goals and create opportunities for his team has garnered widespread admiration from football fans around the world.
9. Wayne Rooney | $170 million
Team: D.C. United
Records: England’s second-most-capped player and second-highest goalscorer.
Awards: MLS Best XI, FIFPro World Young Player of the Year, and more.
Books: Wayne Rooney: My Decade in the Premier League (autobiography)
Movie: ROONEY (Netflix Series)
Wayne Rooney, a former English footballer, had an impressive career as a striker and is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League and England.
Rooney achieved great success during his time at Manchester United, winning a total of 13 trophies with the club. Among these achievements are five Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League title, and one FIFA Club World Cup title. These accomplishments highlight his impact and contributions to the team’s success.
Known for his skill, determination, and goal-scoring ability, Rooney made a significant impact on the pitch. He consistently displayed his talent and played a crucial role in Manchester United’s victories over the years.
Rooney’s achievements were not limited to his club career. He also represented England in international competitions, leaving his mark on the national team. His performances in the England shirt earned him respect and admiration from football fans across the country.
10. Ronaldo Luís Nazário | $160 million
Team: Real Madrid
Records: Third-highest goal scorer of Brazil, Highest goals in a single La Liga season, and more
Awards: European Golden Shoe, FIFA World Player of the Year, World Soccer Player of the Year, Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, or simply Ronaldo, is a former Brazilian footballer who is considered one of the all-time greats of the sport. Apart from his footballing success, Ronaldo has also ventured into successful business endeavors.
During his remarkable career, Ronaldo accomplished many feats and set several records. At the young age of 21, he became the most expensive football player in history when he transferred to Inter Milan. This impressive achievement showcased his exceptional skills and potential.
Ronaldo’s talents on the field were recognized with numerous accolades, including the coveted Ballon d’Or award. He became the youngest player to win this prestigious honor, a remarkable accomplishment that still stands to this day.
