List of Richest Footballers in the World

Did you know that football is the only sport to have its own international holiday? July 10th is celebrated as "International Football Day", recognising the sport’s impact on global culture.

Football, also known as "the beautiful game", has grown from a local pastime to a global phenomenon watched by billions of fans on all continents. With its fast-paced action, unforgettable goals, and passionate fan base, football unites people like no other sport.

Famous footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar have become household names around the world. These athletes have accumulated massive fortunes. Their wealth reflects not only their success on the pitch but also their influence off it.

In this article, we will explore the richest footballers of 2024, taking a closer look at the earnings, investments, and brands that have contributed to their staggering net worth.

List of the Richest Footballers in the World

According to recent reports, the following is a tabular list of the richest footballers in the world as of 2025:

Source: FC Bayern Munich

1. Faiq Bolkiah

Source: The Mirror

• Net Worth: $20 billion (approximately ₹1,660,000 crores)
• Salary: $1,000 per week (around ₹82,000)
• Team: Chonburi F.C. (Thailand)
• Age: 26
• Career Start: 2016

Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world, primarily due to his royal lineage as a member of the Brunei royal family.  Despite his immense wealth, his football earnings are relatively modest. He plays as a winger for Chonburi F.C. and has represented the Brunei national team since 2014. 

Bolkiah's unique position as both a footballer and a prince has attracted significant media attention, although he remains largely out of the spotlight compared to other football stars.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Source: BBC

• Net Worth: $800 million
• Salary: $214 million annually
• Team: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
• Age: 39
• Career Start: 2002

Cristiano Ronaldo is another legendary figure in football, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and physical prowess. He has played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus before joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. 

Ronaldo holds numerous records, including being the highest international goal scorer of all time. His brand CR7 encompasses various products and endorsements that significantly boost his financial standing.

3. Lionel Messi

Source: Goal.com

• Net Worth: $650 million
• Salary: $60 million annually
• Team: Inter Miami (USA)
• Age: 37
• Career Start: 2004

Lionel Messi is often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time. After an illustrious career at FC Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time top scorer, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. 

He has won numerous awards, including eight Ballon d'Or titles and multiple UEFA Champions League trophies. Messi's endorsements with major brands like Adidas contribute significantly to his wealth.

4. David Beckham

Source: Goal.com

• Net Worth: $450 million (approximately ₹37,350 crores)
• Salary: Estimated at $50 million annually during his playing career (around ₹410 crores)
• Team: Retired (formerly played for Manchester United)
• Age: 48
• Career Start: 1992

David Beckham is renowned not only for his skills on the pitch but also for his global fame and influence off it. He played for several prestigious clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, winning numerous titles throughout his career. 

Beckham's post-retirement ventures include co-owning Inter Miami CF and various endorsement deals that have solidified his status as a cultural icon.

5. Neymar Jr.

Source: Olympics.com

• Net Worth: $250 million
• Salary: $160 million annually
• Team: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• Age: 32
• Career Start: 2009

Neymar Jr. is known for his flair and creativity on the field. He began his career at Santos before moving to Barcelona and then to Paris Saint-Germain.

In 2023, he signed with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Neymar has received multiple accolades throughout his career and has lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Red Bull.

6. Dave Whelan

Source: The FA

• Net Worth: $230 million
• Salary: 8 million
• Team: Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra
• Age: 59 years
• Career Start: 1956

Dave Whelan, the former owner of Wigan Athletic and founder of JJB Sports, transitioned from a professional football career to become a highly successful businessman. This transformation has made him one of the wealthiest footballers globally, currently ranking sixth with an estimated net worth of $230 million.

While best known for his pivotal role in Wigan Athletic's impressive journey to the Premier League, culminating in their FA Cup victory against Manchester City, Whelan's financial success originated with Whelan Discount Stores. He further solidified his wealth by selling his sportswear retail chain, JJB Sports, for £190 million in 2007.

7. Wayne Rooney

Source: The Mirror

• Net Worth: $216 million
• Salary: 8 million
• Team: Everton, Manchester United, Everton, D.C. United, and Derby County
• Age: 39 years
• Career Start: 2002

Wayne Rooney, a celebrated English footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder and forward for Manchester United, holds the seventh position among the world's wealthiest soccer players with a net worth of $216 million. His remarkable talent, unwavering tenacity, and composure in high-pressure situations led to legendary achievements on the field.

Rooney etched his name in football history by becoming Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer and England's top scorer. Even as his extraordinary playing career concluded, he solidified his status as one of football's most marketable figures.

During his prime years at Manchester United, Rooney commanded a weekly salary of approximately £300,000, making him one of the highest-paid players of his time. His move to D.C. United in the National Soccer League further boosted his income, demonstrating his value beyond European football.

Conclusion

The richest footballers in the world are a mix of legendary icons and rising stars who have not only showcased extraordinary talent on the field but also mastered the art of branding and investments.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate the wealth charts with their long-standing influence, scoring millions through club salaries and sponsorships.

Neymar remains a close competitor, with his flashy style and global appeal bringing in massive earnings. Younger players like Kylian Mbappé are also making waves, combining impressive on-field performances with smart endorsement deals.

From their record-breaking transfer fees to their lucrative endorsement deals, these footballers have set new standards for financial success. As the sport progresses, we can expect to see some new talents on the above list.

Also Read | What Are The 17 Rules Of Football/Soccer?