Who are the Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World in 2024?
Football is the world’s most popular and adored sport. There are football teams in almost 200 different nations worldwide. With over 3.5 billion fans worldwide, the game exudes enthusiasm. Football players are among the most highly paid athletes. Their club contracts, social media marketing, sponsorship deals, and brand endorsements generate significant money. Because of this game, football players also gain international recognition and turn into wealthy celebrities. Many football players throughout the world earn millions of dollars each year. In this article, we are discussing the richest football players in the world.
Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World
The updated list of the top ten richest footballers in the world is shown below.
10. Ronaldo Luis Nazário (Net Worth: $160 Million)
Ronaldo Luis Nazário, a retired Brazilian football player also known as The Phenomenon, is regarded as one of the richest football players, with a net worth of $160 million
The Brazilian has had various sponsorship deals throughout his distinguished career as a footballer with prominent brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, Toyota, Emporio Armani, and PokerStars, significantly increasing his financial resources.
In addition, his lifetime endorsement deal with Nike is worth $180 million, He earns an average of over $1 million every week from endorsement deals.
9. Wayne Rooney (Net Worth: $170 Million)
The former English professional football player and current manager has a net worth of approximately $170 million. Rooney had a successful playing career, earning significant money from contracts with Manchester United, Everton, D.C. United, and Derby County.
Moreover, Rooney’s annual earnings during his playing career could have ranged from tens of millions to more than $50 million, which included both his pay and sponsorship revenue. He also made a lot of money through endorsement deals with Nike, Samsung, Coca-Cola, and other companies.
08. Kylian Mbappe (Net Worth: $180 Million)
Kylian Mbappe is a French football sensation who captains their national side and plays as a forward for Real Madrid. Known for his extraordinary talent and accomplishments on the field, Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly one of the most well-known football players in the world.
Furthermore, At the time, his estimated net worth was about $180 million. Mbappé has various endorsement partnerships with prominent brands, like Nike, Hublot, Orange EA Sports, Dior, and others, which earn him millions of dollars. He has participated in numerous advertising campaigns and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most marketable athletes.
07. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Net Worth: $190 Million)
Zlatan Ibrahimović, a Swedish professional footballer who has played for top European clubs, is valued at $190 million.
Ibrahimović’s career has included highly lucrative deals with teams like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan. His transfer fees and earnings from these teams have greatly increased his net worth.
Ibrahimović’s revenues include endorsement partnerships with Nike, Volvo, Xbox, and other major businesses. He has appeared in numerous advertising campaigns and endorsements, increasing his entire income.
06. Neymar Jr (Net Worth: $200 Million)
Neymar Jr., the Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Al Hilal and the Brazilian national team, is believed to be valued at $200 million, which makes him the richest Brazilian footballer.
He has made a lot of money throughout his career thanks to high-profile contracts with clubs like Santos, FC Barcelona, and PSG. He was recently signed by Suadi club Al Hilal. His transfer fees, salary, and bonuses from these teams have significantly increased his net worth. Neymar set the record for the most expensive transfer in football history when he transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for $242 million.
In addition to his football earnings, Neymar has signed rich endorsement contracts with big brands like Nike, Red Bull, Gillette, Beats by Dre, and more. These endorsement arrangements have increased his earnings, with Neymar appearing in a variety of commercial campaigns and promotions for these companies.
05. Dave Whelan (Net Worth: $210 Million)
David Whelan, a British businessman and former footballer, had an estimated net worth of $210 million, which makes him the 5th richest footballer on our list.
Whelan made his income mostly through commercial enterprises, most notably as the creator of JJB Sports, a sports retail company. He grew JJB Sports from a tiny grocery store in Wigan, England, to one of the UK’s largest sports merchants.
Besides his financial success, Whelan had an impressive sporting career. He played professional football for several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra, before retiring due to a leg injury. After retiring from playing, Whelan went on to own and chair the Wigan Athletic Football Club.
04. David Beckham (Net Worth: $450 Million)
David Beckham is a former English professional footballer, model, and businessman. He is valued at $450 million. He takes the 4th spot among the richest footballers in the world on our list.
Beckham earned a lot of money during his football career, playing for renowned clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. His lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and many business activities have all led to his enormous wealth.
Additionally, in addition to his sports fortune, Beckham is a successful entrepreneur and brand ambassador. He has lucrative endorsement partnerships with big brands including Adidas, H&M, Haig Club Whiskey, and others. Beckham also co-owns Inter Miami CF, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, and has invested in many other enterprises.
03. Cristiano Ronaldo (Net Worth: $500 Million)
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer. He is a forward for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr and the captain of the Portugal national team. He is largely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.
The Portuguese have a net worth of $500 million. Ronaldo has made a lot of money in football, he played for great clubs like Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, and now Al Nassr. His lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and many business activities have all led to his enormous wealth.
Besides his earnings, Ronaldo has signed various endorsement contracts with big businesses such as Nike, Tag Heuer, Herbalife, Clear, and others. These endorsement partnerships have increased his revenue, with Ronaldo appearing in a variety of commercial campaigns and promotions for these companies. The Portuguese forward has signed a “lifetime” contract with sportswear giant Nike that is expected to pay him more than $1 billion.
Furthermore, Ronaldo is also active in business and investing, launching his own CR7 brand, which includes clothing, fragrances, hotels, and other enterprises. He also invests in real estate and other economic ventures.
02. Lionel Messi (Net Worth: $600 Million)
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays forward and captains Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. He is widely regarded as the greatest football player of all time. He has a net worth of $600 million, making him the world’s second-richest footballer.
Messi has earned enormous salaries throughout his career, particularly at FC Barcelona, where he was one of the world’s highest-paid footballers. His move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) would likely result in big pay. Messi has signed lucrative endorsement deals with major businesses such as Adidas, Pepsi, Gatorade, Huawei, MasterCard, and others. These sponsorship deals have greatly increased his net worth.
Additionally, Messi has made several investments over the years in real estate, businesses, and other financial ventures. The investments he made enhanced his overall net worth.
Messi has ventured into other business ventures, such as launching his clothing line. The money from these ventures could add to his net worth.
01. Faiq Bolkiah (Net worth: $20 Billion)
Bruneian professional football player Faiq Bolkiah has represented both the national team and several clubs. With a $20 billion net worth, Faiq Bolkiah is the richest football player in the world, largely thanks to his royal heritage. His family is luxurious, and he is a member of the royal family of Brunei. Being the Prince of Brunei, his father, Jefri Bolkiah, is well-known for his enormous riches.
Moreover, the Bolkiah family’s wealth is a result of numerous commercial endeavors and Brunei’s enormous oil reserves.
Despite the affluence of his family, Faiq Bolkiah chose to become a professional football player. He has represented both Brunei’s national team and clubs in the Premier League, including Leicester City.
Summary
The Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World
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 Luis Nazário: $160 million