Top 10 Richest Footballer in The World 2025

by karan — April 24, 2025 in Football / Top Best

Have you ever wondered who’s making the most money in the football world? When we talk about the top 10 richest footballer in the world, most people think of names like Ronaldo or Messi.

But would you believe the richest footballer isn’t who you’d expect? Football has become more than just a sport—it’s a global business empire that creates millionaires and even billionaires.

These players accumulate wealth from their incredible salaries, massive endorsement deals, smart investments, and sometimes even royal inheritance!

The financial side of football is fascinating because it shows how talent, business smarts, and opportunity can create enormous wealth.

What’s even more interesting is how different these players’ journeys to riches have been. Some built their fortune through decades of performance at the highest level, while others had advantages most of us couldn’t imagine.

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Top 10 Richest Footballer in The World 2025

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the top 10 richest footballers as of 2024, breaking down not just their net worth but also how they made their money and what makes their wealth unique.

From royal family connections to smart business ventures, you’ll discover the full story behind football’s financial elite. Let’s dive into this list of football’s billionaire and multi-millionaires who’ve turned their talents into incredible fortunes.

Understanding Football Wealth: More Than Just Salaries

Before we dive into our list, it’s important to understand that footballers make money in several ways:

Playing contracts – The basic salary paid by their clubs
Performance bonuses – Extra money for goals, assists, wins, and championships
Endorsement deals – Partnerships with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma
Business ventures – Hotels, clothing lines, and other investments
Image rights – Money paid to use their name and likeness
Social media influence – Sponsored posts and partnerships
Personal inheritance – Family wealth (relevant for at least one player on this list)

Now, let’s meet the wealthiest footballers in the world as of 2024!

Faiq Bolkiah – The Royal Footballer

At the top of our list with an astounding net worth of $20 billion is someone many football fans might not recognize: Faiq Bolkiah.

What makes Faiq’s story so unique is that, unlike other players on this list, his wealth doesn’t primarily come from football earnings. Bolkiah is a member of the Brunei royal family and a nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, which explains his enormous fortune.

Here’s what makes Faiq Bolkiah’s situation so remarkable:

Born into the incredibly wealthy royal family of Brunei
Pursued a football career despite not needing to work for financial reasons
Played for youth academies at prestigious clubs including Chelsea, Southampton, and Leicester City
Currently plays professionally while maintaining royal duties
His wealth is primarily inherited rather than earned through football

Faiq’s net worth is so substantial that it dwarfs the combined wealth of all other footballers on this list. While his football career hasn’t reached the heights of others here, his inclusion shows how the football world intersects with global wealth and privilege unexpectedly.

The gap between Bolkiah and the second-richest footballer is so vast that it creates an almost separate category. To put it in perspective, his $20 billion is more than 22 times the wealth of the next player on our list!

Cristiano Ronaldo – The CR7 Empire

Coming in second place with a net worth of $903 million is the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s wealth comes from multiple streams that he’s built throughout his illustrious career. Unlike our first entry, Ronaldo built his fortune primarily through his exceptional football skills and business acumen.

His wealth sources include:

Massive playing contracts from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia
The CR7 brand encompasses clothing lines, hotels, and lifestyle products
Endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Clear, and many others
Social media presence – being the most followed person on Instagram creates tremendous earning potential

What makes Ronaldo’s financial success particularly impressive is that he’s built it through:

Consistent performance at the highest level for nearly two decades
Five Ballon d’Or awards recognizing him as the world’s best player
Smart business investments that extend beyond his playing career
Creating a personal brand that transcends football

Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr reportedly pays him around $200 million per year, making it one of the most lucrative deals in sports history. His move to Saudi Arabia significantly increased his wealth and cemented his position as football’s second-richest player.

At 39 years old (as of 2024), Ronaldo continues to play at an elite level while expanding his business ventures, suggesting his wealth will likely continue growing even after he eventually retires from professional football.

Lionel Messi – The Eight-Time Ballon d’Or Winner

In third place with a net worth of $650 million is Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Messi’s journey to incredible wealth has been built on his unparalleled skill and consistency. His financial portfolio includes:

Record-breaking contracts with FC Barcelona and later Paris Saint-Germain
A lucrative deal with Inter Miami in MLS that includes MLS profit-sharing
Major endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Apple
Business investments in various sectors, including real estate
Charitable foundation work that enhances his global brand

What distinguishes Messi financially:

Eight Ballon d’Or awards – more than any player in history
A playing style that attracts global attention and marketing opportunities
A relatively quiet personal life has kept his brand consistently positive
Long-term loyalty to Barcelona created stability in his earnings

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 included an innovative contract structure that gives him:

Base salary
Profit-sharing from MLS broadcast rights
Ownership stake options after retirement
Partnership deals with team sponsors

At 36 years old (as of 2024), Messi continues performing at an elite level while preparing for life after football through strategic business decisions.

Though his net worth lags behind Ronaldo’s, his earning potential remains enormous due to his global popularity and business ventures.

Neymar Jr. – Brazil’s Global Superstar

Fourth on our list with a net worth of $250 million is the Brazilian sensation Neymar Jr.

Neymar burst onto the global stage at a young age and quickly turned his flair and marketability into significant wealth. His financial portfolio includes:

Record-breaking transfer when PSG paid €222 million to sign him from Barcelona
Massive salary from his current club, Al Hilal, in Saudi Arabia
Extensive endorsement deals with Nike, Red Bull, Beats, and many others
Entertainment venture,es including appearances in movies and music videos
Social media influence with hundreds of millions of followers

What makes Neymar’s wealth journey unique?

He became financially successful at a much younger age than most footballers
His playing style and personality make him exceptionally marketable
He’s popular across multiple continents, especially in South America
His social media presence creates additional revenue streams
His move to Saudi Arabia significantly boosted his earnings

Neymar’s current contract with Al Hilal reportedly earns him around:

Base salary of approximately €150 million per year
Additional performance bonuses
Special commercial rights arrangements

At 32 years old (as of 2024), Neymar still has prime earning years ahead despite struggling with injuries. His global appeal remains strong, particularly in markets like Brazil and the broader South American region, ensuring his wealth will likely continue growing.

Karim Benzema – The Late-Blooming Superstar

Fifth on our list with a net worth of $200 million is French striker Karim Benzema.

Benzema’s path to wealth is interesting because his highest earnings came later in his career:

14 years at Real Madrid, building a reputation for excellence
Five Champions League titles have increased his market value
A Ballon d’Or win in 2022 at age 34
A massive contract with Al-Ittihad worth reportedly $436 million over two years
Endorsement deals with Adidas and other brands

What makes Benzema’s financial story unique?

His highest earnings came after age 34, unusual in football
His move to Saudi Arabia dramatically increased his wealth
His sustained excellence at Real Madrid positioned him for a huge final contract
His reputation increased after Cristiano Ronaldo left Madrid, allowing him to step into the spotlight

Benzema’s Al-Ittihad contract includes:

Approximately $218 million per year in basic salary
Commercial rights and image rights arrangements
Performance bonuses

At 36 years old (as of 2024), Benzema is in the latter stages of his career but has secured his financial future with his Saudi Arabian contract. His rise to the upper echelons of football wealth demonstrates how late-career moves can dramatically impact a player’s finances.

Zlatan Ibrahimović – The Football Personality

Sixth on our list with a net worth of $190 million is the charismatic Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Ibrahimović’s wealth comes from a combination of:

Playing contracts with top clubs including AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy
Endorsement deals with Nike, Volvo, and many others
Business investments, including his own sports brand A-Z
Book sales from his autobiography
Media personality earnings from appearances and interviews

What makes Zlatan’s wealth story unique?

His larger-than-life personality created marketing opportunities
He played for nine different major clubs across Europe and America
He remained marketable into his late 30s and early 40s
His quotable interviews and social media presence maintained his relevance
He succeeded in multiple leagues and markets, broadening his appeal

Ibrahimović’s business approach includes:

Creating a personal brand based on confidence and excellence
Strategic club choices that kept him in the spotlight
Carefully selected endorsements that matched his personality
Maintaining physical excellence well beyond typical retirement age

Though now retired from playing (as of 2024), Zlatan’s business ventures and investments continue to generate income. His transition into technical and advisory roles will likely ensure his wealth continues to grow even without playing income.

Kylian Mbappé – The Young Fortune

Seventh on our list with a net worth of $180 million is French phenom Kylian Mbappé.

At just 25 years old (as of 2024), Mbappé has already amassed substantial wealth through:

Record-breaking transfer from Monaco to PSG
Massive salary from his playing contract, one of the highest in football
Major endorsement deal with Nike, making him their flagship football athlete
Appearance fees for major tournaments, including the World Cup
Strategic investments guided by financial advisors

What makes Mbappé’s wealth remarkable:

He achieved financial success at an extremely young age
He won a World Cup at 19, increasing his marketability dramatically
His clean-cut image makes him attractive to major brands
He’s positioned to become one of the highest-earning footballers ever
His peak earning years are still ahead of him

Mbappé’s reported earnings include:

Base salary exceeding €40 million annually
Nike deal is worth approximately €15 million per year
Additional endorsements with brands like Hublot, Oakley, and EA Sports

As the youngest player in our top 10, Mbappé has the potential to climb higher on this list over the coming decade. His combination of talent, marketability, and business acumen suggests he could eventually challenge for the top spots among football’s financial elite.

Paul Pogba – Style and Substance

Eighth on our list with a net worth of $125 million is French midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba’s wealth has been built through:

Record-breaking transfer when Manchester United paid €105 million to sign him from Juventus
High salary from his playing contracts
Major endorsement deal with Adidas reportedly worth over €40 million
Social media presence with millions of followers
Fashion ventures and partnerships

What distinguishes Pogba financially?

His distinctive style and personality created marketing opportunities
He was the world’s most expensive player when he moved to Manchester United
His social media savvy helped build his brand
His football intelligence, combined with physical gifts, created high market value
His World Cup win with France increased his global profile

Pogba’s earnings include:

Base salary of approximately €15 million per year
Adidas contract reported at €4 million annually
Additional endorsements and commercial activities
Business investments outside football

At 31 years old (as of 2024), Pogba’s career has been affected by injuries and controversies, which have impacted his earning potential. Nevertheless, his established brand and investments ensure he remains among football’s wealthiest players.

Antoine Griezmann – The French Forward

Ninth on our list with a net worth of $90 million is French attacker Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann has built his wealth through:

High-value contracts with Atlético Madrid and Barcelona
Return to Atlético where he remains a key player
Endorsement deal with Puma as one of their leading football athletes
Gaming interests, including partnerships with esports teams
Investments in horses and racing stables

What makes Griezmann’s financial profile interesting:

His distinctive celebration moves became marketing opportunities
He maintained his value despite a difficult spell at Barcelona
He’s shown loyalty to Atlético Madrid, creating stability
His World Cup success with France boosted his profile
His interests outside football have created additional revenue streams

Griezmann’s earnings include:

Base salary estimated at €12 million annually
Puma deal is worth approximately €4 million per year
Additional commercial activities and investments
Revenue from his horse racing interests

At 33 years old (as of 2024), Griezmann continues to perform at a high level for both club and country. His diverse interests suggest he’s preparing well for post-playing career opportunities that will likely maintain his wealth.

Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian King

Completing our top 10 with a net worth of $90 million is Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

Salah’s path to wealth includes:

Transformative contract with Liverpool, making him one of the Premier League’s highest-paid players
Adidas endorsement after switching from Nike
Massive popularity in Egypt and the Arab world creates unique marketing opportunities
Charitable giving is enhancing his reputation and brand
Strategic investments guided by professional advisors

What makes Salah’s wealth story unique?

He became a global star relatively late after struggles at Chelsea
His impact at Liverpool dramatically increased his earning power
He has unparalleled popularity in Egypt and across the Middle East
His humble personality makes him attractive to brands
His religious identity opened markets not typically tapped by footballers

Salah’s earnings include:

Liverpool salary is reported at over £18 million annually
Adidas deal is worth approximately £10 million per year
Regional endorsements are particularly strong in the Middle East
Growing investment portfolio

At 31 years old (as of 2024), Salah remains one of the premier attackers in world football. His continued excellence and smart financial management suggest his wealth will continue growing in the coming years.

Comparative Analysis: How Do They Stack Up?

To better understand how these footballers compare financially, let’s look at this comparative table:

Rank	Player	Net Worth	Age (2024)	Primary Wealth Source	Notable Factor
1	Faiq Bolkiah	$20 billion	26	Royal inheritance	Brunei royal family member
2	Cristiano Ronaldo	$903 million	39	Playing + CR7 brand	Highest-paid contract ever
3	Lionel Messi	$650 million	36	Playing + endorsements	Record 8 Ballon d’Ors
4	Neymar Jr.	$250 million	32	Record transfer + salary	The highest transfer fee ever
5	Karim Benzema	$200 million	36	Saudi contract	Late-career earnings spike
6	Zlatan Ibrahimović	$190 million	42	Multi-club career	Personality marketing
7	Kylian Mbappé	$180 million	25	Early success + contracts	Youngest on the list
8	Paul Pogba	$125 million	31	Record transfer + Adidas	Style-based marketing
9	Antoine Griezmann	$90 million	33	Club contracts + Puma	Outside investments
10	Mohamed Salah	$90 million	31	Liverpool success + regional appeal	Middle East market dominance

This comparison reveals several interesting patterns:

Age isn’t always a factor – wealth ranges across different ages
Playing success correlates with wealth – most have won major trophies
Saudi Arabian contracts have significantly impacted recent wealth rankings
Marketability matters – personality and image rights generate substantial income
Regional appeal can create unique revenue opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Wealth

How do footballers make most of their money?

Most professional footballers earn money through:

Base salaries from their clubs (often weekly payments)
Performance bonuses for goals, assists, clean sheets, etc.
Image rights are separate from their playing contract
Endorsement deals with clothing, equipment, and lifestyle brands
Social media promotions for products and services
Business investments outside of football

For the top players, endorsements and business ventures often exceed their playing salaries.

Why are Saudi Arabian clubs paying such high salaries?

Saudi clubs are offering unprecedented contracts because:

The Saudi Public Investment Fund is investing heavily in football as part of Vision 2030
They aim to build the Saudi Pro League into one of the world’s top leagues
Bringing star players increases global visibility for Saudi football
It’s part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil
These players bring marketing and commercial opportunities

These massive contracts have dramatically changed football’s financial landscape since 2023.

Is inheritance a common source of wealth for footballers?

No, inheritance is extremely rare as a primary wealth source for footballers. Faiq Bolkiah is a unique case because of his royal family connections. The vast majority of footballers build their wealth through:

Professional contracts
Endorsement deals
Business ventures
Investments

Bolkiah’s situation is an outlier that dramatically skews the “richest footballers” list.

Do footballers pay high taxes on their income?

Tax situations vary widely depending on:

The country where they play
Tax treaties between countries
Image rights structures
Residency status
Investment vehicles they use

Many footballers work with specialized financial advisors to manage their tax obligations legally while maximizing their earnings. Tax considerations often play a role in which clubs or leagues players choose to join.

How do footballers maintain wealth after retirement?

Successful footballers typically maintain or grow their wealth after playing through:

Business investments made during their career
Brand partnerships that continue post-retirement
Media roles as commentators or analysts
Coaching or management positions in football
Property portfolios built while playing
Speaking engagements and appearances

Players who struggle financially after retirement often failed to plan or invest appropriately during their playing days.

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Conclusion: The Changing Landscape of Football Wealth

The list of the top 10 richest footballers in the world shows us how the beautiful game has become a pathway to extraordinary wealth.

From royal connections to brand-building brilliance, these players have accumulated fortunes that would have been unimaginable for footballers of previous generations.

What’s particularly interesting about this list is how it reflects the evolving financial landscape of football.

The entry of Saudi Arabian clubs has dramatically changed the earning potential for elite players, while social media and global marketing have created new revenue streams beyond traditional salaries and endorsements.

The gap between Faiq Bolkiah and the rest of the list highlights how exceptional his situation is.

While his royal inheritance puts him in a different category altogether, the achievements of players like Ronaldo and Messi in building wealth through their talents and business acumen are perhaps even more impressive.

For young players, this list provides valuable lessons about:

The importance of brand building alongside playing success
How career longevity can lead to greater wealth accumulation
The value of smart investments outside of football
How geographical markets can impact earning potential
The benefit of professional financial guidance

As football continues to grow globally, we can expect to see even more players joining the ranks of the super-wealthy.

The financial side of football has become almost as competitive as the sport itself, with players strategically positioning themselves to maximize earnings throughout and beyond their playing careers.

What remains clear is that while talent on the pitch opens the door to wealth, it’s the decisions made off the pitch that often determine just how wealthy a footballer will become.

The business of football has created unprecedented opportunities for players who can balance athletic excellence with financial intelligence.

Top 10 Richest Footballer in The World 2025

Top 10 Richest Footballer in The World 2025