Who is the richest footballer in the world?

Football, often referred to as soccer, reigns supreme as the globe's most participated in and viewed sport. Generating billions in revenue, this industry generously rewards its top performers. The wealthiest football players rake in millions annually, with a select few even reaching the billion-dollar mark in net worth.

A combination of elements such as salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and smart investments boost a footballer's net worth. Additionally, several of the affluent footballers diversify their earnings by venturing into business or tapping into other revenue streams.

Top 11 richest football players

Presenting the 11 premier footballers, renowned not only for their skills on the pitch but also for their immense wealth. Topping the chart is the Bruneian royalty, Faiq Bolkiah, with the iconic duo Messi and Ronaldo tailing close behind. Before we answer your question, we invite you to our new article where we answered all the most popular questions of sports fans - Premierbet review.

Faiq Bolkiah | $20 billion

Club: Chonburi F.C., Thailand
Highlight: World's wealthiest footballer

Faiq Bolkiah is a sensation from Brunei, playing as a winger for Chonburi F.C. in Thailand and representing the Brunei national team. With a staggering net worth of $20 billion, he is the world's most affluent footballer. He has proudly represented the Brunei national team since 2014, leading as its captain from 2018. Royal by birth, his father is Prince Jefri Bolkiah and his uncle, the reigning Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.

Lionel Messi | $600 million

Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Achievements: Record 7 Ballon D’Or titles, Highest scorer in La Liga, among many others
Honors: World Soccer Player of the Year, FIFA Balloon D’Or, and several others
Publications: "The GOAT: Messi" and others
Film: "Lionel Messi: The Greatest"

Hailing from Argentina, Lionel Messi, often debated as the greatest footballer ever, plays as a forward for the Paris Saint-Germain club and leads the Argentina national team. With an impressive net worth of $600 million, he stands as the second wealthiest footballer globally. His trophy cabinet boasts of a record 7 Ballon d'Or awards and six European Golden Shoes. In 2020, he made the Ballon d'Or Dream Team list.

Cristiano Ronaldo | $500 million

Club: Al Nassr
Milestones: All-time highest goal scorer in international football and many others
Awards: European Golden Shoe, FIFA Balloon D’Or, among numerous others
Books: "Cristiano Ronaldo: The Rise of a Winner"
Film: "Cristiano Ronaldo: The World at its Feet"

The illustrious Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, dons the Al Nassr jersey in Saudi Arabia and captains the Portugal national squad. He's clinched the Ballon d'Or five times - the highest by any European player. Ronaldo's accolades also feature him as the top goal scorer in international football. He, alongside Messi, is continually celebrated as one of the all-time football legends.

David Beckham | $450 million

Club: Manchester United
Milestones: The sole player to clinch League titles in four nations, among others.
Honors: Premier League Player of the Month, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, to name a few.
Literature: "Beckham: My World" (Autobiography)
Cinema: Appearances in "King Arthur" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."

A maestro in the midfield, Beckham’s charm and skill were a global sensation. With a decorated career across clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy, he hoisted 19 major trophies, including six Premier League victories. Beckham gracefully exited professional football in 2013, but with a wealth of $450 million, he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Dave Whelan | $210 million

Club: Blackburn Rovers, Crewe Alexandra
Honors: Awarded the Freedom of the Borough
Literature: "David Whelan: Playing to Win - The Autobiography"

Originating from Bradford, Whelan graced the football fields as a winger. His career peak was winning the Football League Third Division North title in 1959-60. Post-retirement in 1966, Whelan transitioned into business, founding Wigan Athletic football club and amassing a net worth of $210 million.

Neymar Jr. | $200 million

Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Milestones: Youngest Brazilian to hit 100 caps, Santos' top scorer, among others.
Honors: Recognitions like the Balloon D’Or, FIFA Puskas, and Player of the Year, among others.
Literature: "Neymar: My Story: Conversations with My Father"
Cinema: Documentary "Neymar: The Perfect Chaos"

Neymar, Brazil's football prodigy, mesmerizes as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and his national team. Having clinched titles with Barcelona and two international championships with Brazil, Neymar is a titan in football history.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic | $190 million

Club: AC Milan, Serie A
Milestones: Serie A's most seasoned scorer, revered as the all-time greatest striker.
Honors: Awards like Best MLS Player ESPY Award, FIFA Puskas, and Golden Foot.
Literature: "I Am Zlatan Ibrahimović" (Autobiography)
Cinema: "Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom" (Cameo)

The Swedish powerhouse, Zlatan, dominates the forward position, representing AC Milan and Sweden. With a staggering 33 trophies under his belt, he's celebrated as one of the most formidable strikers ever.

Kylian Mbappe | $180 million

Club: Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1
Milestones: Staggering four goals across two FIFA World Cup finals.
Honors: Awards like FIFA World Cup Golden Boot and Kopa Trophy.
Literature: "Kylian Mbappe: World Soccer Star"

France's jewel, Kylian Mbappé, reigns as a forward for both Paris Saint-Germain and his national team. With an array of titles and a World Cup victory to his name, he's not just a sensation, but a football legend in the making.

Wayne Rooney | $170 million

Club: D.C. United
Milestones: Runner-up for most appearances and goals for England.
Accolades: Recognitions include MLS Best XI and FIFPro World Young Player of the Year.
Literature: "Wayne Rooney: My Decade in the Premier League" (Autobiography)
Screen Presence: "ROONEY" (Netflix Series)

A force to reckon with, Wayne Rooney remains a revered name in English football. With a glittering career at Manchester United that saw him win a plethora of trophies, Rooney left an indelible mark on the sport before retiring in 2021.

Ronaldo Luís Nazário | $160 million

Club: Real Madrid
Milestones: Brazil's third top scorer and record holder for most goals in a single La Liga season.
Accolades: Distinctions include European Golden Shoe and FIFA World Player of the Year.

Known universally as Ronaldo, this Brazilian marvel stands tall in football's pantheon. Apart from his remarkable on-field achievements, he transitioned into a successful businessman post-retirement. Renowned for shattering records, Ronaldo became the youngest ever Ballon d'Or recipient at 21. His dedication isn't just confined to the pitch; since 2000, he's been a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, championing various humanitarian efforts.

Alexandre Pato | $145 million

Club: São Paulo FC
Milestones: Holds the title for youngest scorer in a Senior Men's FIFA Tournament.
Accolades: Recognitions include Serie A Young Footballer of the Year and the Golden Boy award.

A Brazilian sensation, Alexandre Pato is a master of the forward position, currently showcasing his prowess at Orlando City SC. Known for his speed, agility, and goal-scoring flair, Pato's career milestones include stints at clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, and Villarreal. Representing Brazil, he has donned the national jersey 27 times, netting 10 goals.