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| Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World |
Football is the world’s most popular sport, enjoyed by millions of fans across the globe. Over the years, the sport has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, making many players extremely wealthy. Apart from their salaries and bonuses, top footballers earn massive incomes from sponsorships, endorsements, investments, and personal business ventures.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 richest footballers in the world in 2025, their career achievements, and how they built their fortunes.
1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 Billion
Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion. Born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, USA, he is a member of the Brunei royal family. His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, is the brother of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.
Despite his royal background, Faiq pursued a football career and has captained the Brunei national team. Although he hasn’t played for any top-tier club, his wealth primarily comes from his family's immense fortune rather than football earnings.
2. Lionel Messi – $650 Million
Lionel Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. With a net worth of $650 million, he has built his wealth through club contracts, endorsements, and investments.
Messi spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, winning numerous league titles and Champions League trophies. He later joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before moving to Inter Miami in 2023. His endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Mastercard contribute significantly to his wealth.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – $550 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, born on February 5, 1985, is another football legend. He is known for his goal-scoring ability, fitness, and unmatched work ethic. With a net worth of $550 million, Ronaldo has played for clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Aside from football contracts, he earns massively from endorsements with Nike, Herbalife, and CR7 brand businesses, which include clothing, footwear, and hotels.
4. David Beckham – $450 Million
David Beckham is a former English footballer, born on May 2, 1975. He gained worldwide fame playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Currently, he is the co-owner and president of Inter Miami CF and Salford City. Beckham’s net worth of $450 million comes from football earnings, endorsements, and business ventures, including his Haig Club whiskey brand and fashion collaborations.
5. Neymar Jr. – $250 Million
Neymar Jr., born on February 5, 1992, in São Paulo, Brazil, is known for his dribbling skills and flair on the pitch. He has played for Santos, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
With a net worth of $250 million, Neymar earns from club contracts, sponsorships with Puma, Red Bull, and Qatar Airways, and personal business investments.
6. Dave Whelan – $210 Million
Dave Whelan, born on November 24, 1936, in Bradford, England, is a former footballer turned businessman. He played for Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra before retiring and focusing on business.
Whelan owned JJB Sports, one of the UK’s biggest sports retail chains, and later became the chairman of Wigan Athletic. His business success has contributed to his $210 million fortune.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović – $190 Million
Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović, born on October 3, 1981, is one of the most charismatic and successful strikers in history. He has played for Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy.
With a net worth of $190 million, Ibrahimović has earned from football contracts, endorsement deals with Nike, Volvo, and Nivea, and personal businesses, including a sportswear brand.
8. Wayne Rooney – $170 Million
Wayne Rooney, born on October 24, 1985, in Liverpool, England, is a former footballer and current manager. He is Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and played a vital role in England’s national team.
With a net worth of $170 million, Rooney made money from his football career, coaching, and endorsements with Coca-Cola, Nike, and EA Sports.
9. Ronaldo Luís Nazário – $160 Million
Ronaldo Nazário, born on September 18, 1976, in Brazil, is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time. He played for Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, winning multiple FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards.
Ronaldo is now a businessman, owning Cruzeiro FC and serving as president of Real Valladolid. His net worth stands at $160 million.
10. Kylian Mbappé – $110 Million
Kylian Mbappé, born on December 20, 1998, in Paris, France, is one of the most talented players of his generation. He has played for Monaco, PSG, and now Real Madrid, and has already won a FIFA World Cup with France.
With a net worth of $110 million, Mbappé earns from club wages, sponsorships with Nike and Hublot, and media deals.
Conclusion
The football industry has created immense wealth for these players, with earnings from contracts, sponsorships, and business investments. While some players like Faiq Bolkiah inherited wealth, others like Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar built their fortunes through talent and hard work.
With the continuous evolution of football salaries and endorsements, the list of the richest footballers in the world is likely to change in the coming years.
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