Football fans are always curious to know how much their favourite players are worth. It’s not just about the goals and skills on the field; it’s also about the financial success off the pitch. So, why do fans care so much about a player’s net worth? It’s a way to measure their impact and success beyond the game. In this article on the top 20 richest footballers in the world, we’ll discuss the details of their wealth. We want to satisfy that burning question fans often have about just how much their idols are earning.
To put this list together, we didn’t rely on just one source. We gathered net worth figures from more than 10 reputable sources, including well-known names like Forbes, The Sun, Bloomberg, ESPN, and Goal.com. We even checked Celebrity Net Worth for good measure.
Since these sources often give different numbers, we decided to be thorough. We calculated the average from all these figures to give you a more balanced view of the top 20 richest footballers in the world.
It’s our way of shedding light on the financial side of the game and satisfying that curiosity that fans can’t help but have about the money behind their favourite sport.
Also, note that the players of consideration are active players or recently-retired players.
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1. Faiq Bolkiah | $20 B
Although he is not so popular, Faiq Bolkiah, a Brunei royal, possesses a staggering $20 billion wealth largely rooted in his family’s vast oil and gas assets. The Bolkiah family’s substantial investments in global industries, real estate, and technology contribute significantly to Faiq’s extraordinary net worth. In a nutshell, Faiq Bolkiah leads the list of the top 20 richest footballers in the world.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo | $600 M
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s $600 million fortune primarily comes from an illustrious football career, marked by high-profile transfers from Manchester United to Real Madrid and later to Juventus. Beyond football, his considerable income streams include a myriad of endorsement deals, successful business ventures such as the CR7 brand, and a powerful social media presence.
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3. Lionel Messi | $580 M
With a net worth of $580 million, Lionel Messi’s wealth is anchored in a prolific football journey, notably at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami. In addition to lucrative contracts, Messi boosts his income through endorsements with global brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei. His entrepreneurial ventures include a successful fashion line and ownership of a theme park in China.
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4. Neymar Jr. | $200 M
Neymar Jr.’s $200 million net worth is primarily derived from his lucrative football contracts, especially the high-profile move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. His marketability extends beyond the pitch, securing major endorsements with brands like Nike, Red Bull, and Gillette. Further diversifying his income, Neymar owns a gaming company.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 M
Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s $190 million wealth finds its roots in an extensive football career with renowned clubs such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and AC Milan. Beyond his sporting prowess, Ibrahimovic’s financial portfolio includes successful business ventures like clothing lines (A-Z), fragrance deals, and strategic investments in tech startups.
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6. Kylian Mbappe | $160 M
Boasting a net worth of $160 million, Mbappe’s wealth arises from lucrative football contracts, notably with Paris Saint-Germain. His marketability is evident through endorsements with global brands, including Nike and Hublot, and significant contributions to France’s 2018 World Cup victory.
7. Mohamed Salah | $150 M
Accumulating a substantial $150 million fortune, Salah’s wealth originates from successful football stints, particularly with Liverpool and AS Roma. Off the field, Salah enhances his financial standing through endorsements with companies like Adidas and Vodafone, reflecting his status as a global sporting icon.
8. Paul Pogba | $125 M
Representing a wealth of $125 million, Pogba’s financial stature is moulded by successful football endeavours at clubs such as Manchester United and Juventus. His off-field pursuits include endorsement deals with Adidas and various fashion collaborations, contributing significantly to his diverse income streams.
9. Gareth Bale | $125 M
Garnering a net worth of $125 million, Bale’s wealth stems from impactful football contributions with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. Commercially, he bolsters his income through endorsements with brands like Adidas and his own fashion label, ‘Eleven of Hearts.’
10. Andres Iniesta | $120 M
With a net worth of $120 million, Iniesta’s wealth comes from a distinguished football career, primarily with FC Barcelona. His financial portfolio expands through endorsements with brands like Nike and Sony, as well as business ventures, including a winery and investments in the Japanese sports industry.
11. Mesut Ozil | $120 M
Ozil’s $120 million net worth is shaped by successful football spells with clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal. Beyond the pitch, Ozil enhances his income through endorsements with Adidas and other brands, alongside investments in tech startups and a range of philanthropic initiatives.
12. Harry Kane | $120 M
Holding a net worth of $120 million, Kane’s financial standing is propelled by his prolific goal-scoring career with Tottenham Hotspur. Off the pitch, Kane diversifies his income through endorsement deals with brands like Nike, and his own sponsorship agreements contribute to his growing wealth.
13. Sergio Ramos | $120 M
Boasting a net worth of $120 million, Ramos has fortified his financial standing through an enduring football career, notably with Real Madrid. Beyond the pitch, Ramos supplements his income with endorsements for brands like Nike, and investments in real estate contribute to his overall financial portfolio.
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14. David De Gea | $100 M
With a net worth of $100 million, De Gea’s wealth is largely derived from his stellar goalkeeping career at Manchester United. Endorsement deals with Adidas and investments in real estate amplify his financial success, showcasing a diversified approach to wealth accumulation.
15. Eden Hazard | $100 M
Accumulating a $100 million net worth, Hazard’s wealth is shaped by impactful football contributions with clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid. Commercially, he enhances his income through endorsements with companies like Nike and Topps, demonstrating a strategic approach to brand partnerships.
16. Antoine Griezmann | $90 M
With a net worth of $90 million, Griezmann’s financial success is rooted in his goal-scoring prowess, notably with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. His off-field ventures include endorsement deals with brands like Puma and Gillette, contributing to the overall diversity of his income streams.
17. Luis Suarez | $90 M
With a net worth of $90 million, Suarez’s financial success is anchored in his prolific goal-scoring career, particularly with Barcelona. Commercially, he enhances his income through endorsements with brands like Adidas and Puma, showcasing a diverse portfolio beyond the football field.
18. Robert Lewandowski | $85 M
Lewandowski, holding a net worth of $85 million, has amassed his wealth through prolific goal-scoring exploits, notably with Bayern Munich. Commercially, he engages in endorsements with brands like Nike, and his own line of sportswear further contributes to his burgeoning financial portfolio.
19. Karim Benzema | $70 M
Boasting a net worth of $70 million, Benzema’s financial standing is shaped by his goal-scoring contributions with Real Madrid. His investments in real estate and endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Fly Emirates contribute to the overall financial success of the French striker.
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20. Thiago Silva | $45 M
Thiago Silva concludes our top 20 richest footballers in the world.
Silva’s $45 million net worth is a result of his defensive prowess showcased at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Beyond football, Silva engages in strategic investments and real estate ventures, ensuring a well-rounded approach to wealth accumulation.
