Football is the most spectacular and popular sport in the world. Being a multi-billion dollar industry fueled by passionate fans, sponsorship deals and lucrative player contracts, its allure has extended beyond the pitch.
Key things such as high salaries, transfer fees, endorsements, bonuses and other income streams such as investments contribute to the wealth of a footballer. In this article we will look at the top ten richest footballers in the world who have amassed fortunes.
1. Faiq Bolkiah $20 billion.
Faiq Bolkiah from Brunei is currently the richest footballer in the world with a whooping net worth of over $20 billion. Born into a wealthy family where his father Jefri Bolkiah is the Prince of Brunei while his uncle is the Sultan of Brunei has contributed to his enormous wealth. Bolkiah currently plays for Ratchaburi FC in Thailand.
2. Lionel Messi $653 million.
Argentina legend Lionel Messi who is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest footballer of all time ranks as the second richest footballer globally. Messi currently playing for Inter Miami in United States has had an incredible career which has solidified his status as one of the most wealthiest footballers and a football icon. Notably he is the most decorated football player with over 44 trophies, eight Balloon d’Or which is a record and other achievements which have led to writing of books and films dedicated to him.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo $603 million.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese footballer ranks third globally with a staggering net worth of $603 million. Often compared to Lionel Messi his perennial rival, he boasts five Balloon d’Or and is the all time leading goal scorer in the world. Ronaldo who made his switch to Saudi club Al Nassr is currently the highest paid football player globally. He is a football legend in and off the pitch setting records which will stand test of time and is the most followed person in the social media. His journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is an inspiration to fans worldwide.
4. David Beckham $456 million.
The retired England professional footballer had a remarkable success on the field which garnered him popularity worldwide laid the foundations of his off-field journey as he ventured into entrepreneurship which contributed significantly to his staggering wealth of $456 million. His football journey took him through prestigious clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG, Ac Milan and LA Galaxy. Beckham diversified his portfolio to fashion, cultural ambassador and philanthropist and stake ownership in Inter Miami a top tier club in United States. He ranks fourth among the richest footballers.
5. Martin Braithwaite $287 million.
The Danish footballer has seen his net worth rise to over $287 million as he is making mega money in the property world through his partnership stake in NYCE Company. Besides his real estate investment he owns a clothing brand “Trente” which has become a success. The former Barcelona star was linked to buying Espanyol his former club. Despite not even topping as one of the highest paid players in the teams he played for, he has had a financial success making him join the list of the richest footballers in the world.
6. Dave Whelan $210 million.
Born in 24 November 1936, Dave Whelan former Blackburn Rovers and Crew Alexandra player ranks sixth in the list. After retiring in 1966, he transitioned into realm of business which included the founding of Wigan Athletic Football Club.
7. Neymar Jr $200 million.
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior simply known as Neymar Jr is a Brazilian footballer regarded as one of the best players from Brazil and has had a remarkable club and country career notably winning the UEFA Champions League and helping his country win the Copa America 2019 and Olympics gold in 2016. Beyond the pitch, Neymar has had financial success as he ranks seventh in the list of richest footballers in the world with a staggering net worth of $200 million.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic $190 million.
Renowned as one of the greatest strikers of all time and a key figure in Swedish and global football has enjoyed a career success scoring 560 goals and winning 33 trophies with Europe’s top prestigious clubs such as AC Milan, Manchester United, PSG, Inter Milan and Barcelona. Zlatan played a crucial role in Sweden national team as he was instrumental to Sweden qualifications in World Cup in multiple occasions. Additionally he is the all time leading goalscorer in Sweden national team. The AC Milan legend currently serves as a senior advisor at the club.
9. Kylian Mbappe $180 million.
A prodigious talent from France has had a meteoric rise in his football career as his achievement have extended beyond club to international success helping France win the World Cup in 2018 as he played a pivotal role and also being named the Best Young Player in that tournament. Currently playing for Real Madrid in Spain, his wealth is from high-sky salary, bonuses, transfer fees and endorsements.
10. Wayne Rooney $170 million.
The celebrated England striker has a net worth of $170 million which puts him on the list of among the richest footballers in the world. He etched his name at the Premier League with Manchester United before representing England internationally. His glorious 13 trophies at Manchester United cemented his status as a club legend. After his retirement he dived into club coaching.
11. Ronaldo Nazario $160 million.
Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima simply known as Ronaldo is a former Brazilian footballer. The prolific goalscorer didn’t have a longer career due to injuries but he left an indelible mark in football history setting numerous records including winning the Balloon d’Or at age of 21 which is still unmatched till today. Beyond his football career he also found success as a business man. Additionally he has been working as a humanitarian ambassador with United Nations. He also owns Real Vallodalid, a football club in Spain.
12. Alexandre Pato $145 million.
The Brazilian has earned over $145 million throughout his career from salaries, business and brand endorsements showcasing the prowess of the sport and enabling him to be on this feat of the richest footballers in the world.
