Top 10 Richest Footballer in the World 2024

Soccer, known as football in many parts of the world, is not only a global passion but also a huge industry worth billions of dollars. Huge fan bases, lucrative sponsorships and hefty player contracts have led top-level footballers to amass immense wealth, making them among the richest individuals on the planet.

In 2024, the quest to become the richest footballer is extremely competitive, with players amassing huge fortunes from salaries, bonuses, endorsements and smart investment strategies. This article highlights the lives and financial conquests of the top 10 richest footballer in the world in 2024.

Top 10 Richest Footballer in the World 2024

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and its players are some of the highest-paid athletes. The top 10 richest footballers in the world have a combined net worth of over $5 billion.

Here is the list of the Top 10 Richest Footballer in the World in 2024.

Faiq Bolkiah: The Richest Footballer in the World

Faiq Bolkiah is a name that is not as well-known as some of the other top footballers in the world, but he is certainly one of the wealthiest. Bolkiah is the son of Jefri Bolkiah, the Prince of Brunei, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion. This makes him the richest footballer in the world, by a considerable margin.

Bolkiah’s wealth comes from his family’s vast oil and gas fortune. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the richest people in the world, and his family controls a large portion of the country’s oil and gas reserves. Faiq Bolkiah is one of the heirs to this fortune, and he is expected to inherit a significant amount of wealth when his father eventually passes away.

Team: Chonburi F.C., Thailand

Sources of Faiq Bolkiah’s Wealth

Inherited wealth: Faiq Bolkiah is the son of Jefri Bolkiah, the Prince of Brunei. His family controls a large portion of the country’s oil and gas reserves. Faiq Bolkiah is expected to inherit a significant amount of wealth when his father eventually dies.

Salary from playing football: Faiq Bolkiah is a professional footballer who plays for Chonburi FC in Thailand. His salary is estimated to be around $2,900 per month.

Endorsements: Faiq Bolkiah has several endorsement deals with major brands, such as Nike and Puma. These deals bring in a significant amount of income for the young footballer.

Investments: Faiq Bolkiah is a shrewd investor, and he has several investments in a variety of businesses. These investments have helped to grow his wealth over time.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina. He is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time. Messi has a net worth of an estimated $600 million, making him one of the Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Paris Saint-Germain

Records: Most Balloon D’Or award winner, Most Liga goals, and many more

Awards: World Soccer Player of the Year, FIFA Balloon d’Or, and many more

Sources of Lionel Messi’s Net Worth

Messi’s net worth comes from a variety of sources, including:

Salary: Messi is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He earns an estimated $75 million per year from his salary with Paris Saint-Germain.

Endorsements: Messi has several endorsement deals with major brands, such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade. These deals bring in an estimated $50 million per year.

Investments: Messi has several investments in a variety of businesses. These investments have helped to grow his wealth over time.

Breakdown of Lionel Messi’s Net Worth

Messi’s net worth is made up of several assets, including:

Real estate: Messi owns several properties around the world, including a mansion in Barcelona and a penthouse in Paris.

Cars: Messi owns a fleet of luxury cars, including a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Investments: Messi has several investments in stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Al Nassr and Portugal. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time. Ronaldo has a net worth of an estimated $500 million, making him one of the Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Al Nassar

Records: Highest goal-scorer in football and many more

Awards: European Golden Shoe, FIFA Balloon d’Or, and many more

Sources of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Net Worth

Ronaldo’s net worth comes from a variety of sources, including:

Salary: Ronaldo is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He earns an estimated $200 million per year from his salary with Al Nassr.

Endorsements: Ronaldo has several endorsement deals with major brands, such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and EA Sports. These deals bring in an estimated $90 million per year.

Investments: Ronaldo has several investments in a variety of businesses. These investments have helped to grow his wealth over time.

Breakdown of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Net Worth

Ronaldo’s net worth is made up of several assets, including:

Real estate: Ronaldo owns several properties around the world, including a mansion in Madrid and a penthouse in New York City.

Cars: Ronaldo owns a fleet of luxury cars, including a Bugatti Veyron and a Lamborghini Aventador.

Investments: Ronaldo has several investments in stocks, bonds, and other assets.

David Beckham

David Beckham is a retired English footballer who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. He is also the co-owner of Inter Miami CF and a fashion icon. Beckham has a net worth of an estimated $450 million, making him one of the Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Manchester United

Records: Only player to win League titles in 4 countries, and more

Awards: Premier League Player of the Month, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and more

Sources of David Beckham’s Net Worth

Football career: Beckham was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world during his football career. He earned an estimated $800 million from his salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

Fashion: Beckham has a successful fashion career. He has his line of clothing and fragrances, and he has also endorsed several major fashion brands. His fashion ventures are estimated to be worth over $100 million.

Endorsements: Beckham is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and he has several endorsement deals with major brands, such as Adidas, Gillette, and PepsiCo. These deals bring in an estimated $50 million per year.

Investments: Beckham has several investments in a variety of businesses, including a hotel chain, a restaurant chain, and a clothing line. These investments have helped to grow his wealth over time.

Breakdown of David Beckham’s Net Worth

Real estate: Beckham owns several properties around the world, including mansions in London, Los Angeles, and Paris.

Cars: Beckham owns a fleet of luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Bentley Continental GT.

Investments: Beckham has several investments in stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Fashion: Beckham’s fashion ventures are estimated to be worth over $100 million.

Endorsements: Beckham’s endorsement deals bring in an estimated $50 million per year.

Salary: Beckham earned an estimated $800 million from his football salary and bonuses.

Dave Whelan: From Retail to Football

Dave Whelan was an English businessman and football club owner who had an estimated net worth of 210 million USD. He was the founder and former owner of the JJB Sports retail chain and the owner of Wigan Athletic Football Club from 2009 to 2018. He is one of the richest footballer in the World.

Team: Blackburn Rovers and Crewe Alexandra

Awards: Freedom of the Borough

Sources of Dave Whelan’s Net Worth

Retail business: Whelan’s primary source of wealth was his success in the retail industry. He founded JJB Sports in 1971 and grew it into one of the largest sports retailers in the United Kingdom. At its peak, JJB Sports had over 180 stores and employed over 4,000 people.

Football club ownership: Whelan’s purchase of Wigan Athletic Football Club in 2009 marked a significant investment in the world of football. He invested heavily in the club, leading them to promotion to the Premier League in 2010-2011.

Investments: Whelan was a shrewd investor who made several successful investments outside of retail and football. These investments included property, stocks, and other ventures.

Breakdown of Dave Whelan’s Net Worth

JJB Sports: Whelan’s ownership of JJB Sports was estimated to be worth over 100 million USD at its peak.

Wigan Athletic Football Club: Whelan’s investment in Wigan Athletic Football Club was estimated to be worth around 50 million USD.

Investments: Whelan’s investments outside of retail and football were estimated to be worth around 60 million USD.

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, commonly known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team as a forward. He is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world. Neymar has a net worth of an estimated $200 million, making him one of the Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Paris Saint-Germain

Records: Youngest player to reach 100 caps for Brazil, All-time highest scorer for Santos, and many more

Awards: Balloon D’Or, FIFA Puskas, Player of the Year and many more

Sources of Neymar’s Net Worth

Neymar’s net worth comes from a variety of sources, including:

Salary: Neymar is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He earns an estimated $78 million per year from his salary with Paris Saint-Germain.

Endorsements: Neymar has several endorsement deals with major brands, such as Nike, Puma, and Red Bull. These deals bring in an estimated $50 million per year.

Investments: Neymar has several investments in a variety of businesses, including a fashion brand, a real estate company, and a technology company. These investments have helped to grow his wealth over time.

Breakdown of Neymar’s Net Worth

Real estate: Neymar owns several properties around the world, including mansions in Paris and Barcelona.

Cars: Neymar owns a fleet of luxury cars, including a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Bugatti Veyron.

Investments: Neymar has several investments in stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Endorsements: Neymar’s endorsement deals bring in an estimated $50 million per year.

Salary: Neymar earns an estimated $78 million per year from his salary with Paris Saint-Germain.

Zlatan Ibrahimović: A Football Legend’s Fortune

Zlatan Ibrahimović is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club AC Milan and the Sweden national team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and one of the most recognizable and popular players in the world. Ibrahimović has a net worth of an estimated $190 million, making him one of the Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Serie A Club AC Milan

Records: Oldest player ever to score in Serie A, Greatest Striker of All-Time, and more

Awards: Best MLS Player ESPY Award, FIFA Puskas, Golden Foot, Serie A Player of the Year, and many more

Sources of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Net Worth

Ibrahimović’s net worth comes from a variety of sources, including:

Salary: Ibrahimović is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. He has earned an estimated $300 million in salary throughout his career.

Endorsements: Ibrahimović has several endorsement deals with major brands, such as Nike, Volvo, and Gillette. These deals bring in an estimated $15 million per year.

Investments: Ibrahimović has several investments in a variety of businesses, including real estate, stocks, and a fashion brand. These investments have helped to grow his wealth over time.

Breakdown of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Net Worth

Real estate: Ibrahimović owns several properties around the world, including mansions in Paris, Milan, and Los Angeles.

Cars: Ibrahimović owns a fleet of luxury cars, including a Ferrari LaFerrari, a Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a Lamborghini Aventador.

Investments: Ibrahimović has several investments in stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Endorsements: Ibrahimović’s endorsement deals bring in an estimated $15 million per year.

Salary: Ibrahimović has earned an estimated $300 million in salary throughout his career.

Kylian Mbappé: A Football Prodigy Turned Multi-Millionnaire

Kylian Mbappé is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. Widely considered one of the most talented young players in the world, Mbappé has taken the football world by storm with his exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring prowess. His remarkable achievements have not only earned him global recognition but also a substantial fortune. He is one of the Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain

Records: Four goals in two appearances in the FIFA World Cup finals, and more

Awards: FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, Golden Boy, Kopa Trophy, and more

Sources of Kylian Mbappé’s Net Worth

Mbappé’s net worth, estimated to be around $180 million, stems from a combination of his lucrative football salary, endorsement deals, and investments.

Football Salary: As one of the most sought-after players in the world, Mbappé commands a hefty salary. His current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly worth around $72 million per year.

Endorsements: Mbappé’s star power has attracted numerous endorsement deals from major brands like Nike, Hublot, and Beats by Dre. These partnerships bring in a significant portion of his income, estimated to be around $15 million annually.

Investments: Mbappé is a shrewd investor, demonstrating his financial acumen beyond football. He has invested in various ventures, including the esports team xQc and the French startup ZenGo. These investments hold the potential to further increase his wealth over time.

Breakdown of Kylian Mbappé’s Net Worth

Real Estate: Mbappé owns a luxurious mansion in the suburbs of Paris, reflecting his growing wealth and status.

Cars: Mbappé’s fleet of luxury cars includes a Ferrari Testarossa, a Mercedes-AMG G63, and an Audi RS6 Avant, showcasing his taste for high-end vehicles.

Investments: Mbappé’s investments in promising startups and esports teams demonstrate his foresight and business acumen.

Endorsements: Mbappé’s endorsement deals with prominent brands generate substantial income, solidifying his position as a marketable athlete.

Salary: Mbappé’s lucrative contract with Paris Saint-Germain forms the foundation of his financial success.

Wayne Rooney: From Football Star to Business Tycoon

Wayne Rooney is an English football legend who has achieved remarkable success on and off the field. From his early days as a precocious young talent to his years as a prolific striker for Manchester United and the England national team, Rooney has captivated fans with his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. Beyond his footballing prowess, Rooney has also emerged as a shrewd businessman, amassing a significant net worth of an estimated $170 million. He is the ninth Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: D.C. United

Records: England’s second-most-capped player and second-highest goalscorer.

Awards: MLS Best XI, FIFPro World Young Player of the Year, and more.

Sources of Wayne Rooney’s Net Worth

Rooney’s substantial wealth stems from a combination of his lucrative football career, savvy investments, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Football Career: Rooney’s illustrious football career has been the primary source of his wealth. His high-profile contracts with Manchester United and Everton, coupled with his endorsement deals and bonuses, have contributed significantly to his financial standing.

Investments: Rooney has demonstrated his financial acumen by making strategic investments in various sectors, including property, stocks, and sports management. His investment portfolio has grown steadily over time, adding to his overall net worth.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Rooney has ventured into various entrepreneurial projects, showcasing his ability to create and manage businesses. He co-founded the sportswear brand W1N1NG, launched his own media company, and serves as a director of several other firms. These ventures have further diversified his income streams.

Coaching Career: Upon retiring from professional football, Rooney transitioned into coaching, taking the helm of Derby County and currently managing DC United. While his coaching career is still in its early stages, it holds the potential to contribute to his future earnings.

Breakdown of Wayne Rooney’s Net Worth

Real Estate: Rooney owns a portfolio of properties, including a luxurious mansion in Cheshire, England, and a seaside home in Barbados. These properties represent a significant portion of his net worth.

Cars: Rooney is known for his passion for high-end automobiles. His collection includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Lamborghini Aventador, and a BMW M8. These vehicles reflect his taste for luxury and success.

Investments: Rooney’s investment portfolio includes stakes in various companies across diverse industries, demonstrating his willingness to explore new growth opportunities.

Endorsements: Throughout his career, Rooney has partnered with numerous brands, including Nike, Ford, and Coca-Cola. These endorsement deals have generated substantial income.

Coaching Salary: Rooney’s coaching salary, while not as high as his playing days, still contributes to his overall earnings. As his reputation as a coach grows, his salary is likely to increase.

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known simply as Ronaldo, is a retired Brazilian football icon who transitioned into a successful entrepreneur. Widely hailed as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Ronaldo’s illustrious career saw him shatter records and amass substantial wealth. At an astonishingly young age of 21, he became football’s most expensive player and the youngest recipient of the revered Ballon d’Or—an achievement that remains unmatched.

Since 2000, Ronaldo has dedicated himself as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, leveraging his global renown and influence to champion various humanitarian causes, embodying a commitment to make a positive impact. He is the tenth Richest Footballer in the World.

Team: Real Madrid

Records: Third-highest goal scorer of Brazil, Highest goals in a single La Liga season, and more

Awards: European Golden Shoe, FIFA World Player of the Year, World Soccer Player of the Year, Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year, and more

Also read: Who is the king of football

FAQ on Top 10 Richest Footballer in the World 2024

Question 1: Who is the richest footballer in the world?

Answer: As of 2024, the richest footballer in the world is Faiq Bolkiah, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion.

Question 2: What is the average salary for a footballer?

Answer: The average salary for a footballer varies depending on their league, club, and position. However, the average salary for a footballer in the Premier League is around $4 million per year.

Question 3: What is the highest salary ever paid to a footballer?

Answer: The highest salary ever paid to a footballer is $210 million, which was paid to Lionel Messi by Barcelona in 2021.

Question 4. Who are the top 10 richest footballer in the world?

Answer. The top 10 richest footballers in the world are:

1. Faiq Bolkiah ($20 billion)
2. Lionel Messi ($600 million)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo ($500 million)
4. David Beckham ($450 million)
5. Dave Whelan ($210 million)
6. Neymar ($200 million)
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović ($190 million)
8. Kylian Mbappé ($180 million)
9. Wayne Rooney ($170 million)
10. Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima ($160 million)