As you delve into the world of professional soccer, you’ll discover that the sport’s elite players command astronomical salaries and lucrative endorsement deals. In 2024, the wealthiest footballers have amassed fortunes that rival those of Hollywood celebrities and business tycoons.
This article will unveil the top 10 richest football players globally, offering you a glimpse into their staggering net worth and the sources of their immense wealth. From long-standing legends to rising stars, these athletes have leveraged their on-field prowess to build empires that extend far beyond the pitch. Prepare to be astonished by the financial might of soccer’s most affluent figures.
Who is the Richest Footballer in the World in 2024?
When you think of the richest footballer in the world, names like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi might come to mind. However, in 2024, the title belongs to someone you may have never heard of: Faiq Bolkiah. With an estimated net worth of $20 billion, Bolkiah stands head and shoulders above his peers in terms of wealth.
Bolkiah’s astronomical wealth stems not from his soccer career, but from his royal heritage. He is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. This connection has afforded Faiq a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury since birth.
Despite his immense wealth, Bolkiah has pursued a professional soccer career. He’s played for several English clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Leicester City’s youth teams. While he may not be the most recognizable name on the pitch, his dedication to the sport alongside his vast fortune makes him a unique figure in the world of football.
Top 10 Richest Footballer in the World (2024)
The world of professional football isn’t just about glory on the pitch; it’s also a realm of immense wealth for the sport’s top players. As we delve into the list of the richest footballers in the world for 2024, you’ll discover a fascinating intersection of athletic prowess and financial success.
These elite athletes have leveraged their on-field performances into lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures, amassing fortunes that extend far beyond their salaries. From iconic forwards to midfield maestros, the top 10 richest footballers represent a diverse group of players who have capitalized on their fame and talent.
What sets these players apart isn’t just their skill with a ball, but their savvy off the pitch. Many have built personal brands, invested in various industries, and become entrepreneurs in their own right. Their wealth reflects not only their sporting achievements but also their business acumen and marketability.
As we explore this list, you’ll gain insight into how modern footballers have transformed themselves into global icons and financial powerhouses, redefining what it means to be a successful athlete in the 21st century.
Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion
When discussing the richest footballer in the world, one name stands out above all others: Faiq Bolkiah. With an estimated net worth of $20 billion, Bolkiah’s wealth dwarfs that of more recognizable soccer stars. But who is this enigmatic figure dominating the list of football’s financial elite?
Bolkiah’s astronomical wealth stems not from his soccer prowess, but from his royal lineage. As the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Faiq was born into immense privilege. However, his passion for football led him to pursue a professional career, signing with Leicester City’s youth academy in 2016.
Despite his vast fortune, Bolkiah has faced challenges in establishing himself as a professional player. His journey has taken him through various clubs, including Southampton and Chelsea’s youth systems. Currently, he plays for Thai club Ratchburi FC, where he continues to develop his skills on the pitch.
Bolkiah’s story serves as a reminder that in the world of soccer, talent and determination often trump financial resources. While he may be the richest footballer in the world, his ongoing quest for on-field success demonstrates the universal appeal of the beautiful game.
Lionel Messi | $600 million
As the richest footballer in the world, Lionel Messi’s net worth of $600 million is a testament to his unparalleled skill and global appeal. The Argentine superstar has dominated the sport for over a decade, amassing wealth through lucrative contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
Messi’s journey to becoming the richest footballer in the world began with his extraordinary performances for Barcelona, where he won numerous titles and individual awards. His move to Paris Saint-Germain and subsequent transfer to Inter Miami have only added to his financial success.
Off the pitch, Messi’s marketability has been a key factor in his wealth accumulation. He has lucrative deals with major brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser, contributing significantly to his status as one of the richest footballers in the world. He plays for the Argentinian national team and American club Inter Miami. Messi is widely recognized as one of the best players of all time.
Beyond soccer and endorsements, Messi has invested wisely in real estate and various business ventures. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped diversify his income streams, solidifying his position at the top of football’s financial hierarchy.
Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million
Cristiano Ronaldo has an estimated net worth of $500 million. This Portuguese superstar has not only dominated the pitch but also the financial arena of professional soccer.
Ronaldo’s incredible talent has led to numerous accolades, including five Ballon d’Or awards. His goal-scoring prowess and versatility have made him a key player for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, as well as the Portuguese national team.
Off the field, Ronaldo’s marketability has been a significant contributor to his wealth. His partnerships with global brands such as Nike, Herbalife, and Clear Hair Care have resulted in substantial endorsement deals. His social media presence, boasting millions of followers, further enhances his value to advertisers. Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr FC, a Saudi Arabian club. He joined the club in January 2023.
Demonstrating business acumen, Ronaldo has invested in various ventures, including his CR7 brand of clothing, footwear, and fragrances. These entrepreneurial efforts have diversified his income streams, solidifying his position as one of the richest footballers in the world.
David Beckham | $450 million
David Beckham, undeniably one of the richest footballers in the world, has amassed an impressive fortune of $450 million. His journey to becoming a global icon extends far beyond his illustrious soccer career. Beckham’s financial success is a testament to his savvy business acumen and enduring brand appeal.
Beckham’s soccer prowess laid the foundation for his wealth. His stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy were marked by lucrative contracts and performance bonuses. His precision free-kicks and pin-point crosses made him a valuable asset to any team.
Off the field, Beckham’s marketability skyrocketed. Endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and H&M contributed significantly to his wealth. His chiseled looks and fashion-forward style made him a darling of the advertising world, solidifying his status among the richest footballers in the world. He announced his retirement in May of 2013, 21 years after he started his professional soccer career.
Beckham’s entrepreneurial spirit has seen him invest in various ventures. His ownership stake in Inter Miami CF, an MLS team, and his involvement in the development of Beckham Brands have further bolstered his financial portfolio. These shrewd investments continue to grow his wealth long after hanging up his boots.
Dave Whelan | $210 million
Dave Whelan, a former footballer turned business mogul, stands as one of the richest footballers in the world with an estimated net worth of $210 million. His journey from the pitch to the boardroom exemplifies how athletic talent can translate into business acumen.
Whelan’s career as a professional footballer was cut short due to a severe injury during the 1960 FA Cup Final. However, this setback became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial success. Pivoting from sports to business, Whelan demonstrated remarkable resilience and vision.
After retiring from football, Whelan ventured into the retail sector. He acquired a small fishing and sports shop, which he transformed into JJB Sports, a major sporting goods retailer in the UK. This business move significantly contributed to his wealth, solidifying his position among the world’s richest footballers.
Whelan’s passion for the sport never waned. In 1995, he purchased Wigan Athletic Football Club, investing heavily in its infrastructure and players. Under his ownership, the club achieved remarkable success, including an FA Cup victory in 2013, further cementing Whelan’s legacy in football and business alike. Dave Whelan resigned as chairman of Wigan Athletic in 2015 for a number of reasons, including his age, time spent abroad, and the readiness of his grandson to take over the club. The Whelan family eventually sold Wigan Athletic to Hong Kong-based International Entertainment Corporation after 23 years owning the club.
Neymar Jr. | $200 million
When discussing the richest footballer in the world, Neymar Jr. undoubtedly secures a spot with his estimated net worth of $200 million. The Brazilian superstar has amassed his fortune through a combination of lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and savvy investments.
Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 for a record-breaking €222 million catapulted him into financial stardom. His PSG contract reportedly pays him an astronomical salary, making him one of the highest-paid athletes globally.
Off the pitch, Neymar’s marketability has led to partnerships with major brands like Nike, Puma, and Red Bull. These endorsements significantly contribute to his status as one of the richest footballers in the world, with some deals rumored to be worth tens of millions annually. He plays for Al Hilal SFC and the Brazil national team. He is the most expensive footballer of all time with a transfer fee of 222 million euros.
Demonstrating financial acumen beyond his athletic prowess, Neymar has invested in various business ventures, including a gaming company and real estate. These diversified investments help secure his financial future and expand his wealth beyond his playing career.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million
Zlatan Ibrahimovic stands out as one of the richest footballers in the world, with an estimated net worth of $190 million. This Swedish striker’s wealth stems from his illustrious career spanning over two decades and multiple top-tier clubs across Europe.
Ibrahimovic’s journey to becoming one of the richest footballers in the world is marked by his exceptional performances for clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and LA Galaxy. His ability to adapt to different leagues and consistently deliver goals has made him a valuable asset, commanding high transfer fees and salaries throughout his career.
Beyond his on-field earnings, Ibrahimovic has significantly boosted his wealth through lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Volvo, and Visa. His charismatic personality and global appeal have made him a marketable figure off the pitch. Additionally, the Swedish star has ventured into business, launching his own sportswear line and investing in various enterprises, further solidifying his status among the world’s wealthiest footballers.
Ibrahimovic last appeared in the league on March 18, 2023 for Milan versus Udinese. In that game the Swedish player netted a goal for his side in their 3-1 defeat. Ibrahimovic eventually announced his retirement from football in June 2023, at the age of 41 in front of AC Milan fans at San Siro.
Kylian Mbappe | $180 million
Kylian Mbappe, the French football sensation, has rapidly ascended to become one of the richest footballers in the world. At just 25 years old, Mbappe’s net worth of $180 million is a testament to his exceptional talent and marketability.
Mbappe’s rise to fame began with his explosive performances for AS Monaco and continued with his record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. His lightning-fast speed, clinical finishing, and tactical intelligence have made him one of the most sought-after players in modern football.
A significant portion of Mbappe’s wealth comes from his astronomical salary at PSG, reportedly earning over $100 million annually. This makes him one of the highest-paid athletes globally. Additionally, his marketability has attracted numerous high-profile endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports.
As one of the youngest players on the list of the richest footballers in the world, Mbappe’s financial trajectory is poised for further growth. With his prime years ahead and potential transfers to other top clubs on the horizon, his net worth is likely to skyrocket in the coming years.
Wayne Rooney | $170 million
Wayne Rooney, one of the richest footballers in the world, has amassed an impressive fortune of $170 million through his illustrious career. The English striker’s journey to financial success mirrors his on-field achievements, combining talent, hard work, and smart business acumen.
Rooney’s wealth stems primarily from his stellar performances for Manchester United and the England national team. His 13-year tenure at Old Trafford saw him become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, commanding substantial wages and bonuses. International appearances and captaining England further boosted his earnings.
Off the pitch, Rooney’s marketability has proven lucrative. Endorsement deals with global brands like Nike, Samsung, and Coca-Cola have significantly contributed to his wealth. Additionally, Rooney has invested wisely in property and other business ventures, diversifying his income streams beyond football. He retired from the national team in August 2017 with a total of 53 goals in 119 international appearances.
Transitioning into management, Rooney continues to build his wealth. His roles at Derby County and D.C. United have not only kept him in the football spotlight but also added to his financial portfolio, solidifying his status among the world’s richest footballers.
Ronaldo Luís Nazário | $160 million
When discussing the richest footballer in the world, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as “R9” or “El Fenómeno,” certainly deserves mention. With an estimated net worth of $160 million, this Brazilian legend has solidified his place among football’s financial elite.
Ronaldo’s journey to becoming one of the wealthiest footballers began with his exceptional on-field performances. He dazzled fans worldwide with his lightning-fast speed, incredible dribbling skills, and clinical finishing. His illustrious career saw him play for top clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, where he commanded substantial salaries and bonuses. He announced his retirement from professional football at the end of 2011 after a career spanning almost 20 years.
Off the pitch, Ronaldo’s business acumen has significantly contributed to his wealth. He’s invested in various ventures, including a sports marketing company and a football club. Additionally, his enduring popularity has led to lucrative endorsement deals with major brands, further boosting his financial status.
Ronaldo’s impact on the sport extends beyond his playing days. His continued involvement in football-related activities and philanthropic efforts has not only maintained his relevance but also opened up new revenue streams, cementing his position among the richest footballers in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some frequently asked questions and answers about the richest footballer in the world.
How do footballers amass such wealth?
Top footballers accumulate their fortunes through various channels. While salaries from their clubs form a significant portion, endorsement deals, image rights, and smart investments play crucial roles. Many of the wealthiest players have diversified their income streams beyond the pitch, venturing into fashion, hotels, and other businesses.
Are all top footballers billionaires?
Not all top footballers are billionaires. While the richest footballer in the world may approach or exceed this milestone, most professional players, even at the highest level, do not reach billionaire status. However, many still enjoy substantial wealth, with net worths in the millions.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, the world’s wealthiest footballers have amassed fortunes that extend far beyond their on-field earnings. Their financial success stems from a combination of lucrative contracts, savvy investments, and powerful personal brands.
While the rankings may shift in the coming years, one thing remains certain: top footballers will continue to leverage their global fame into substantial wealth. As you follow the beautiful game, keep an eye on these financial titans who are redefining what it means to be successful in the world of football. Their journeys serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike, showcasing the immense potential that lies at the intersection of athletic prowess and business acumen.