Football, the beautiful game, has expanded rapidly, making it one of the favorite sports in the world. It is played in most countries, and the expansion has meant that the sport has attracted a lot of attention from fans around the world. With so much demand for the sport, a lot of money flows, making all the parties involved rich. Players are paid handsome amounts for their services by clubs and respective countries.
Faik Bolkiah, with a net worth of $20 billion, is the richest footballer in the world. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with some other talented players, are also on the list of the top 10 richest footballers in the world.
Top 10 Richest Footballers in the World
The following is a list of the top 10 richest footballers:
1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 Billion
With a net worth of $20 billion, Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world. Faiq is a member of the royal family of Brunei, and most of his net worth comes from his status as the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei. Despite Brunei not being a household name like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he has played for clubs like Leicester City and plays for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand.
2. Lionel Messi – $600 Million
Lionel Messi, the Argentinian superstar, is the greatest football player and one of the wealthiest. His success with FC Barcelona, followed by a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, has massively boosted his earnings. Apart from football, Messi has plenty of sponsorships, including deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. With a net worth of $600 million, Messi is a global icon admired for his exceptional skills and record-breaking performances.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – $500 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the superstars of the football world, has successfully translated his extraordinary football success into extraordinary wealth. Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr and has earned huge sums from his time at top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His business ventures, such as the CR7 brand and endorsement deals with Nike and others, have made him one of the richest footballers in the world, with a net worth of $500 million.
4. David Beckham – $450 Million
David Beckham is not an active football player and is still a financial powerhouse. Known for his footballing days at Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and Real Madrid, David Beckham is a major business figure, especially in the sports world. He has a net worth of $450 million, primarily due to his ownership of Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer and lucrative endorsement deals with brands like H&M and Adidas.
5. Dave Whelan – $220 Million
Dave Whelan is a name that is not commonly associated with modern football, but his wealth makes him one of the richest individuals in the sport. Whelan, a former English footballer, became a successful businessman, owning the Wigan Athletic Football Club for numerous years. His net worth of $220 is mainly due to entrepreneurial ventures in the sports and retail industries.
6. Neymar Jr – $200 Million
Brazilian star footballer Neymar Jr. is one of the highest-earning football players in the world. Neymar is known for his creativity, flair, and incredible goal-scoring abilities. He has been a part of the top football clubs like FC Barcelona and PSG. Neymar Jr is also one of the most marketable players in the world, boasting endorsement deals with Red Bull, Nike, and others. His net worth of $200 makes him the sixth richest footballer in the world.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – $190 Million
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s larger-than-life personality and amazing football career have helped him accumulate immense wealth. Zlatan’s career spanned over two decades, during which he represented Europe’s top clubs, including PSG, AC Milan, Manchester United, and Barcelona. His real estate investments, endorsements, and business ventures have significantly contributed to his net worth of $190 million, cementing his place in the richest footballers club.
8. Kylian Mbappe – $180 Million
Kylian Mbappe, the star footballer from France, has played for some elite European clubs like PSG and Real Madrid. He is one of the most exciting young players, with one World Cup already. The record-breaking deal with Real Madrid has contributed to his massive net worth of $180 million, making him the 8th richest footballer in the world.
9. Wayne Rooney – $170 Million
Wayne Rooney, the former England and Manchester United captain, has a net worth of $170 million, putting him in the 9th number on the list of richest footballers worldwide. Rooney’s football career broke numerous records, especially when he played for Manchester United. After retirement, Rooney has ventured into management roles at Derby County and D.C. United. He also has multiple endorsement deals and other business interests, adding to his net worth.
10. Ronaldo Luis Nazario – $160 Million
Ronaldo Luis Nazario, commonly known as Ronaldo, is a retired footballer and a successful businessman from Brazil. Thanks to his magical skills, he is regarded as one of the best players to have ever played football. Ronaldo has achieved numerous records and accumulated substantial wealth throughout his football career. His net worth of $160 makes him the 10th richest footballer in the world.
Final Thoughts
The richest footballers in the world have perfectly combined their on-field success with strategic off-field investments and endorsement deals. While someone like Faiq Bolkiah has derived wealth from royalty, players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Beckham have built their wealth through football and brand endorsements.
FAQs
1. Who is the richest footballer in the world?
Faiq Bolkiah has a net worth of $20 billion, making him the richest footballer in the world.
2. Who is richer among Messi and Ronaldo?
Lionel Messi is richer than Ronaldo, as his net worth is $600 million compared to Ronaldo’s $500 million.
3. Which player can top the list of the richest footballers in the world?
Kylian Mbappe has all the star on-field and off-field qualities that can help him become the richest footballer in the world.
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