Football is one of the world’s most popular sports. Billions of fans unite to celebrate the passion and excitement of this beautiful game.
From local clubs to elite competitions like the Premier League and La Liga, football showcases immense talent and fierce rivalries across leagues and international teams.
Iconic players like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar Jr. achieve global fame and inspire a new generation by representing their clubs and national teams.
Football players accumulate impressive net worth through global fame and their remarkable careers, thanks to contracts, endorsements, and international recognition.
Let’s take a look at some of the richest football players in the world.
Who is the Richest Footballer in the World?
| Rank | Football Player | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Primary Sources of Income |
| 1 | Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion | Family Wealth (Brunei Royal Family), endorsements |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | $1.4 billion | Football contract (Al-Nassr), endorsements (Nike, CR7 brand), business ventures |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | $600 million | Football contract (Inter Miami), endorsements (Adidas, Pepsi, etc.) |
| 4 | David Beckham | $450 million | Retirement earnings, endorsements, ownership (Inter Miami CF), fashion ventures |
| 5 | Neymar Jr. | $250 million | Football contracts (Al-Hilal), endorsements (Puma, Red Bull) |
| 6 | Karim Benzema | $200 million | Football contracts (Al-Ittihad), sponsorships |
| 7 | Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million | Career earnings, endorsements, business investments |
| 8 | Kylian Mbappe | $180 million | Football contracts (PSG), endorsements (Nike, Dior), image rights |
| 9 | Wayne Rooney | $170 million | Coaching, past contracts, endorsements, investments |
| 10 | Gareth Bale | $145 million | Past contracts, endorsements (Adidas), golf-related ventures |
Richest Footballers in the World & Their Net Worths (2025)
1. Faiq Bolkiah Net Worth - $20 billion
Faiq Bolkiah is a Bruneian professional football player. He is also a member of the Brunei royal family, which makes him the richest footballer in the world.
His estimated net worth of $20 billion stems primarily from his family’s royal fortune. Bolkiah’s professional career includes modest stints with clubs like Leicester City’s youth team and Chonburi FC.
Aside from his family fortune and football career, he also earns income through sponsorships and business ventures.
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2. Cristiano Ronaldo Net Worth - $1.4 billion
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of football’s greatest icons and boasts a massive net worth of $1.4 billion. Unlike Faiq Bolkiah, Cristiano’s wealth stems primarily from his football career, making him the first billionaire footballer.
Ronaldo currently plays in the Saudi league for Al-Nassr FC. His income stems from his lucrative club contracts, lifetime Nike deal, hotels, CR7 brand, and fitness ventures.
With five Ballon d’Or titles and global fame, Cristiano wears many hats as a football legend, a marketing powerhouse, and a global influencer.
3. Lionel Messi Net Worth - $600 million
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is currently playing in the Major League Soccer for Inter Miami.
His net worth of $600 million is derived from lucrative club contracts, brand endorsements, and investments in fashion and real estate.
Messi is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and is widely regarded for his skills and humility. He is one of the most marketable and respected players in the world of football.
4. David Beckham Net Worth - $450 million
David Beckham is a retired English midfielder who has built a post-football empire worth $450 million.
Beckham is famously known for his time at big clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy. After his retirement, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and ownership, and also co-founded the MLS club Inter Miami CF.
His massive net worth flows from his brand partnerships, fashion collaborations, and business ventures, making him the most successful athlete-turned-businessman in sports history.
5. Neymar Jr. Net Worth - $250 million
Neymar Jr. is a Brazilian football player who is currently associated with Al-Hilal SFC. He has played for famous clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and is known for his flair, skills, and creativity.
His net worth stands at about $250 million through football contracts, sponsorships, social media deals, and business ventures.
6. Karim Benzema Net Worth - $200 million
Karim Benzema is a famous French striker who currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi football league.
The former Real Madrid legend and Ballon d’Or winner has an estimated net worth of $200 million. He has amassed his wealth through his long decorated football career and profitable sponsorships.
His net worth gained a significant boost after his move to Saudi Arabia, and he continues to thrive as a respected football player.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Net Worth - $190 million
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a retired Swedish football player with a net worth of $190 million. His career spanned stints at one of the top clubs, including AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, and PSG.
His income stems from past club contracts, brand endorsements, and investments in fashion and fitness ventures.
Ibrahimovic is known for his powerful presence and confidence on the field, and post-retirement he remains a strong figure in the global sports culture.
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8. Kylian Mbappe Net Worth - $180 million
Kylian Mbappe is a French sensation and one of the brightest young talents in football. He started his career playing for a top club like Paris Saint-Germain and made a move to his dream club, Real Madrid FC.
With a promising start to his career at a young age, his current net worth stands at $180 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes.
His massive net worth at this stage of his career stems from his lucrative club contracts, brand endorsements with premium brands, and personal charity initiatives.
9. Wayne Rooney Net Worth - $170 million
Wayne Rooney is England’s all-time top scorer and a former football player. He has played for clubs like Manchester United, Everton, and D.C. United before transitioning his career to coaching.
Rooney’s net worth is about $170 million, which mainly stems from past football earnings, coaching career, media roles, brand endorsements, and investments.
10. Gareth Bale Net Worth - $145 million
Welsh star Gareth Bale retired from his football career in 2023 and boasts a net worth of $145 million.
He is famous for his pace and powerful left foot. He has played for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, and has won multiple Champions League titles.
He has amassed his wealth through club contracts, brand deals, business ventures, and interests in golf and sports media.
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FAQs
1. Who is the richest footballer in the world?
Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world with a net worth of $20 billion, which mainly stems from his association with the Brunei Royal Family.
However, if we ignore Bolkiah’s family fortune, Cristiano tops the list of the richest footballers in the world.
2. Who is the richest, Messi or Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo is richer than Lionel Messi with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, whereas Messi’s net worth is estimated at $600 million.
3. Who is the richest footballer in the world in 2025 top 10?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest footballer in the world in 2025. However, Faiq Bolkiah tops the list with $20 billion net worth due to his royal lineage as a member of the Brunei Royal Family.
Here are the top 10 richest footballers in the world in 2025:
- Faiq Bolkiah
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Lionel Messi
- David Beckham
- Neymar Jr.
- Karim Benzema
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Kylian Mbappe
- Wayne Rooney
- Gareth Bale
4. Why is Faiq Bolkiah so rich?
Faiq Bolkiah is rich because he is a member of the Brunei Royal Family. He is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. The royal family of Brunei’s wealth is derived from the country’s natural gas and oil reserves.
