List of Richest Footballers in the World

Did you know that football is the only sport that has its own international holiday? July 10 is celebrated as International Football Day to recognize 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 every continent. With its fast-paced action, memorable goals and passionate fan base, football unites people like no other sport.

Famous football players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have become household names around the world. These athletes have amassed huge amounts of wealth. Their wealth reflects not only their success on the pitch but also their influence off it.

In this article, we take a look at the richest footballers of 2024, taking a closer look at the earnings, investments and brands that have given them their staggering net worth.

List of the richest football players in the world

Here is a table of the richest football players in the world as of 2024, according to recent reports:

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rank

Name

net worth

team

1

Faik Bolkiah

$20 billion

Thailand Chonburi Football Club

2

Lionel Messi

$600 million

inter miami

3

cristiano ronaldo

US$500 million

Al Nasr

4

David Beckham

$450 million

Manchester United

5

Dave Whelan

US$210 million

blackburn rangers

6

Neymar Jr.

US$200 million

paris saint germain

7

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

US$190 million

AC Milan

8

Kylian Mbappe

US$180 million

paris saint germain

9

wayne rooney

US$170 million

Washington United

10

Ronaldo Luis Nazario

US$160 million

retire

11

Alessandro Pato

$145 million

sao paulo football club

12

Gareth Bale

$145 million

Los Angeles Football Club

13

Thierry Henry

US$130 million

retire

14

Paul Pogba

$125 million

Al Nasr

15

Andres Iniesta

US$120 million

retire

Source: Bayern Munich Football Club

1. Faik Bolkiah

  • Net worth: $20 billion (approximately Rs. 1.66 crore)
  • Salary: $1,000 per week (approximately Rs. 82,000)
  • Team: Chonburi FC (Thailand)
  • Age: 26
  • Career start: 2016

Faiq Bolkiah is the richest footballer in the world, largely due to his royal lineage as a member of the Brunei royal family.

Despite his vast wealth, his football earnings are relatively limited. He plays as a winger for Chonburi Football Club and has represented the Brunei national team since 2014.

Bolkiah’s unique status as a football player and prince has attracted widespread media attention, although he has remained largely under the radar compared to other football stars.

2. Lionel Messi

  • Net worth: $600 million (approximately Rs. 49,800 crore)
  • Salary: Annual salary of 35 million euros (approximately Rs. 310 crore)
  • Team: Inter Miami (USA)
  • Age: 37
  • Career start: 2004

Lionel Messi is often hailed as one of the greatest football players of all time. After a stellar career with FC Barcelona, ​​where he became the club’s all-time top scorer, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami.

He has won numerous awards, including eight Ballon d’Or titles and multiple Champions League trophies. Endorsements by major brands such as Messi and Adidas have contributed significantly to his wealth.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

  • Net worth: $500 million (approximately Rs. 41,500 crore)
  • Salary: $214 million per year (approximately Rs. 1,770 crore)
  • Team: Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
  • Age: 39
  • Career start: 2002

Cristiano Ronaldo is another legend in the world of football, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and physical attributes. He played for top clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before joining Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo holds several records, including being the all-time top international goalscorer. His brand CR7 includes various products and endorsements that have significantly improved his financial standing.

4. David Beckham

  • Net worth: $450 million (approximately Rs. 37,350 crore)
  • Salary: Estimated annual salary of $50 million (approximately Rs. 410 crore) during his career
  • Team: Retired (played for Manchester United)
  • Age: 48
  • Career start: 1992

David Beckham is not only famous for his skills on the pitch, but also for his global reputation and influence off the pitch. He has played for a number of famous clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, winning numerous trophies during his career.

Beckham’s post-playing career has included co-ownership of Inter Miami FC and various endorsement deals that have cemented his status as a cultural icon.

5. Neymar Jr.

  • Net worth: $200 million (approximately Rs. 16,600 crore)
  • Salary: $160 million per year (approximately Rs. 1,320 crore)
  • Team: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
  • Age: 32
  • Career start: 2009

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

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

6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

  • Net worth: $190 million (approximately Rs. 15,700 crore)
  • Salary: Estimated annual salary for the final season is $7 million (approximately Rs. 57 crore)
  • Team: Retired (last played for AC Milan)
  • Age: 43
  • Career start: 1999

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is known for his unique personality and outstanding forward skills. He has played for many of Europe’s top clubs and holds a number of records, including becoming the oldest player to score in Serie A history.

Despite retiring from professional football due to injury, Zlatan remains a well-known figure in the sports media and continues to influence the game.

7. Kylian Mbappe

  • Net worth: $180 million (approximately Rs. 14,900 crore)
  • Salary: $128 million per year (approximately Rs. 1,060 crore)
  • Team: Paris Saint-Germain (currently on loan at Al Hilal)
  • Age: 25
  • Career start: 2015

Kylian Mbappe is one of the most exciting young talents in football today. He started his career at Monaco before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.

Known for his incredible pace and goal-scoring ability, Mbappe has already achieved great success at a young age. His endorsement of major brands such as Nike further strengthens his financial portfolio.

in conclusion

The world’s richest footballers are a mix of legends and rising stars who have not only displayed extraordinary talent on the pitch, but have also mastered the art of branding and investing.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to dominate the wealth rankings due to their long-standing influence, earning millions through club salaries and sponsorships.

Neymar remains a serious competitor, with his flamboyant style and global appeal bringing in big bucks. Young players like Kylian Mbappe are also making waves, combining impressive on-field performances with smart endorsement deals.

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

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